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Mental illnesses are conditions that disrupt cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and behavioural patterns, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and interact with the world. They vary in intensity and duration, ranging from anxiety and mood disorders to more severe psychotic and eating disorders. Understanding these conditions can help in early diagnosis, management of mental health disorders, and treatment, ultimately improving quality of life.

Average Cardiologist Salary in India (2024)

As in most professions, experience plays a crucial role in determining a cardiologist's salary in India. In 2024, the cardiologist doctor salary in India can range from ₹12,00,000 to ₹50,00,000 annually.

• Entry-Level Cardiologists (1-4 years of experience): ₹8,00,000 - ₹14,00,000 per year
• Mid-Level Cardiologists (5-9 years of experience): ₹15,00,000 - ₹29,00,000 per year
• Senior Cardiologists (10+ years of experience): ₹30,00,000 - ₹50,00,000+ per year
• Renowned Specialists or Private Practitioners: ₹50,00,000+ per year

Cardiologist Salary Distribution Based on Education

Educational background plays a significant role in determining the starting salary of a cardiologist. Those who graduate from top-tier medical colleges or have international fellowships typically earn more than others.

• MBBS with MD (General Medicine) and DM (Cardiology): Cardiologists who pursue specialised training through a Doctorate of Medicine (DM) in Cardiology after completing an MD earn higher starting salaries. The average salary after completing a DM ranges from ₹3,30,000 to ₹40,00,000 annually (depending on the years of experience)

• International Fellowships: Cardiologists who undergo fellowships or advanced training abroad (e.g., USA, UK, Australia) can start at ₹20,00,000+ annually, especially if they practice in private clinical establishment or metropolitan areas.

• Premier Institutions: Graduates from India's top medical colleges like AIIMS, CMC Vellore, PGIMER, or JIPMER are typically offered higher salaries. Entry-level salaries for cardiologists from these institutes often range from ₹12,00,000 to ₹18,00,000 annually.

Cardiologist Average Salary Distribution by City (Cardiologist Monthly Salary)

Cardiologist surgeon salary varies significantly depending on the city they practice in. Metropolitan cities offer higher pay due to demand, the cost of living, and better access to healthcare infrastructure.

This geographical factor plays a crucial role in determining a cardiologist's earning potential, with salaries varying significantly across different cities. Below is the list of average cardiologist salary per month in some key locations:

• Delhi/NCR: ₹24,55,444 per month
• Mumbai: ₹1,94,167 per month
• Bangalore: ₹231,000 to ₹300,000 per month
• Hyderabad: ₹1,92,230-₹2,08,960 per month
• Tamil Nadu: ₹600,000 per month
• Kolkata: ₹1,13,370 per month

Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities:

Cardiologists practising in smaller towns and rural areas typically earn lower salaries, but some may receive additional perks such as housing, transportation, or government incentives.

Average Cardiologist Salary Based on the Type of Hospital

The decision to work in a government or private hospital can significantly impact a cardiologist's income and benefits. Cardiologists working in private hospitals tend to earn more than those in government hospitals, though government jobs come with additional perks like job stability, pension, and housing allowances. Here's a breakdown:

• Private Hospitals: Cardiologists in private hospitals, especially in metropolitan areas, can earn an average of ₹2,50,000 annually, depending on the hospital's prestige and patient volume. High-end corporate hospitals such as Apollo, Fortis, or Max Healthcare typically offer higher salaries.
• Government Hospitals: Salaries in government hospitals are usually lower than in private facilities. However, they offer job security, pension benefits, and other allowances. On average, cardiologists in government hospitals earn ₹5,25,000 annually.

Sub-Specialisation and Its Impact on Cardiologist Income

Sub-specialisation is another critical factor in determining a cardiologist's earning potential. Certain sub-specialities within cardiology, especially those involving invasive procedures, command significantly higher salaries. Here are some typical job roles and their corresponding average salaries:

How Can Cardiologists Increase Their Earnings?

Some of the ways through which Indian cardiologists can increase their earnings are as follows:

• Private Practice: Starting a private clinic can significantly boost a cardiologist's income, allowing them to set their consultation fees and perform more procedures.
• Consultancy: Cardiologists who consult at multiple hospitals or clinics, or those who provide specialised cardiac services, can increase their earnings substantially.
• International Exposure: Cardiologists with international experience or fellowships from prestigious global institutions tend to command higher salaries upon returning to India, especially if they work in large metro hospitals.

Related: Doctors' Salary in India as per their Specialisation

Job Outlook and Future Growth of Cardiologists in India

Cardiology is a growing field in India, driven by increasing heart disease rates and a growing awareness of preventive heart care. The demand for skilled cardiologists is expected to remain strong, especially in urban centres and high-demand regions.

According to estimates, the Indian healthcare sector is growing at a CAGR of 22%, offering ample opportunities for cardiologists to grow their careers, especially those who pursue cutting-edge training and adopt new technologies in the field.

The Higher You Rise, the Greater the Risks

As cardiologists advance in their careers, gaining more experience and taking on more complex cases, their exposure to these risks increases. The higher a cardiologist's earnings, the greater the financial impact of a lawsuit or malpractice claim. The rising salaries are often accompanied by higher expectations from patients, further magnifying the potential legal and financial risks.

Risks Associated with Cardiologists' Practice

Cardiologists face numerous risks in their daily practice, given the critical nature of their work. The high-stakes environment means even minor errors can lead to severe consequences, from misdiagnoses to complications during procedures. Some key risks include:

1. Complications During Procedures: Cardiologists often perform high-risk interventions, such as angioplasty or stent placement, to open blocked arteries. During these procedures, complications like artery rupture, excessive bleeding, or even heart attack can occur.
   
   For instance, if a stent is incorrectly positioned or if an artery is accidentally damaged during the procedure, it can lead to severe outcomes like internal bleeding, heart failure, or even death. Such complications not only endanger the patient's life but also expose the cardiologist to potential legal claims of malpractice.
2. Incorrect Diagnoses: With the complexity of heart conditions, there's always a risk of misinterpreting test results or providing incorrect diagnoses, which can result in patient harm and lawsuits.
   
   
3. Medical Negligence Claims: If patients feel they haven't received adequate care or experience unexpected outcomes, they may file negligence claims, which could be financially and professionally damaging.

How Doctors' Indemnity Insurance Adds Security?

To manage these growing risks, Doctors' Indemnity Insurance is crucial. This insurance protects cardiologists from legal claims by covering legal defense costs, settlements, and compensation payouts. Whether it's a complication during surgery or a negligence claim, indemnity insurance ensures that cardiologists can focus on saving lives, knowing they are financially protected from unforeseen legal battles. This layer of security is indispensable for any cardiologist looking to safeguard their practice.

Conclusion

Cardiology in India offers not only financial rewards but also vast opportunities for specialization and career growth. Factors like education, experience, and location significantly influence earnings, and with the rising demand for heart specialists, the career outlook remains bright.

Whether working in a private hospital, government facility, or managing a private practice, cardiologists enjoy some of the highest salaries in the medical field. However, with this growth comes increased risksmaking protection essential. If you're considering Doctors' Indemnity Insurance, you can connect with experts at Policybazaar for Business. They will help you choose the right coverage tailored to your practice's specific needs and requirements.

Sources: The Hindu, WiZR, Glassdoor, Shiksha, AmbitionBox