Venezuela's Zulia State Launches Free Cardiovascular Catheterization Program for 48 Patients

The Zulia state government in Venezuela, together with private medical partners, carried out a free cardiovascular intervention program on August 5, treating 48 patients with catheterizations and angioplasties. Governor Luis Caldera said the initiative, called Plan Corazón Zuliano, provides high‑quality, cost‑free care and aims to evaluate a total of 114 patients statewide for possible procedures, including stent placement. The effort is supported by the national health ministry, the regional health authority, and the private Clínica Sagrada Familia, with Dr. César Perozo Wong leading the clinical team.

Caldera highlighted the rapid recovery of patients—some discharged the same day—and called for broader preventive measures against cardiovascular disease. The program also expands to pediatric cardiology at the Hospital de Especialidades Pediátricas.