A senior public health official in Rajasthan, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Gupta who previously served as the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Bikaner and was currently posted as the District Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Officer, has passed away following a heart attack, according to local reports.
According to reports, the doctor had been experiencing chest pain but continued with routine activities. His condition reportedly worsened, and he later suffered a heart attack, on 26th December, which proved fatal despite medical attention. The incident occurred in Bikaner, where he had been serving in the public health system for several years. He was the District Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Officer at the time, a role that involves oversight of maternal health services, child healthcare programs, immunisation drives, and implementation of national health initiatives at the district level. He is said to have played a key role in bringing the district to the top 5 in maternal and child health.
Chest pain can be an important warning sign of acute coronary syndrome, which includes heart attacks. Medical literature notes that symptoms may appear days before a major cardiac event and can include:
Persistent or recurrent chest discomfort
Pain radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
Shortness of breath, fatigue, or sweating
Early evaluation and treatment can significantly reduce complications. However, symptoms may sometimes be underestimated or mistaken for less serious conditions.
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in India, affecting individuals across age groups and professions, including healthcare workers. Health experts emphasize regular health check-ups, early recognition of symptoms, and prompt medical care as key preventive measures.
In recent months, several health professionals across India have also been affected by sudden cardiac events during or shortly after work. Reports from multiple regions indicate a rise in such incidents occurring in workplace settings.
The situation has been described as particularly stark in instances where medical expertise could not alter the outcome. One such case involved a young cardiac surgeon in Chennai who reportedly suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during working hours. Despite immediate attention from colleagues trained in advanced cardiac life support, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
Factors frequently cited in clinical and occupational health discussions include prolonged working hours, limited opportunities for rest, challenges in maintaining work–life balance, and delayed attention to personal health due to professional commitments.
(Rh/TL/MSM)