Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The Jharkhand government has launched a special initiative to treat poor and needy children born with congenital heart disease, ensuring that no child’s heart operation is stopped for lack of money. The “Gift of Life” programme, run jointly by the health department and Amrita Hospital, Kochi, began on Friday at the RIMS auditorium.
Health Minister Inaugurates Screening Camp
Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari inaugurated the programme, during which a special camp screened 380 children for heart problems. Expert doctors from across the country and the state are examining the children, and those confirmed with congenital heart disease will be sent to Amrita Hospital in Kochi for further treatment and surgery.
Treatment, Travel and Stay Covered
The state will bear all necessary expenses, including treatment, operation, medicines, accommodation, food and travel. The health minister said treatment and surgery for one child costs roughly Rs 5 to 10 lakh, which the government will bear. Children and their guardians will get free heart tests, medical examinations, surgery, medicines, hospital stay and meals. The government will arrange travel to and from Kochi, and post-surgery monitoring, regular follow-up and care until a safe return home.
Plan to Develop Treatment at RIMS
Ansari said no parent should have to run from pillar to post for their child’s treatment, recalling that during his time as MLA many people approached him seeking help for children’s heart conditions, and some children had to be sent to other states. He directed officials to develop complete congenital heart disease treatment at RIMS, starting the process of securing specialist doctors, modern equipment and infrastructure immediately. Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Ajay Kumar Singh announced that specialist doctors would be appointed at RIMS within a year, along with procurement of the necessary equipment, and said such care should not be limited to camps.
Appeal to Public Representatives
The minister appealed to ministers, MPs, MLAs, zila parishad members, mukhiyas and other representatives to identify children in their areas with congenital heart holes or other heart disease who cannot afford treatment and link them to the scheme. The event was attended by RIMS director Dr. D.K. Sinha, NHM mission director Shashi Prakash Jha, Amrita Hospital’s Dr. Brajesh, doctors, paramedical staff, patients and their families.
