KOCHI, Mar 13: Six children from Arunachal Pradesh, who underwent life-saving cardiac procedures at Aster Medcity here, were treated to a special boat ride on their final day at the hospital, fulfilling a promise made to them.
Their laughter and playful chatter marked the culmination of a challenging journey through treatment and recovery at the paediatric cardiology department.
The children were among those identified for urgent intervention during a congenital heart disease (CHD) screening camp conducted at R K Mission Hospital, Itanagar, in December 2024.
Organised by Aster Volunteers in association with Oniya Heart Foundation, the camp provided free cardiac check-ups to nearly 130 children and young adults, ranging from newborns to 25 years old. Around 25 children were diagnosed with conditions requiring early intervention.
Six critically ill children were brought to Aster Medcity, where they underwent successful procedures, including two complex open-heart surgeries and four catheterization procedures. Aster Medcity provided two open-heart surgeries and one catheterization procedure free of charge, with significant financial support extended to the remaining cases.
The initiative was part of Aster DM Foundation’s ‘Heart to Heart’ programme, which offers free cardiac surgeries to underprivileged children across India. Last year, the programme facilitated 66 such procedures.
Dr Edwin Francis, Director & Senior Consultant – Paediatric Cardiology at Aster Medcity, highlighted the hospital’s ongoing collaboration with Oniya Heart Foundation.
“Our partnership ensures that more children from Arunachal Pradesh receive timely treatment. Several more identified during the Itanagar camp are expected to arrive this month,” he said.
The foundation was established by Nabam Yahi, who was inspired to help other children after her own daughter received life-saving treatment at Aster Medcity years ago.
Doctors Bijesh V and Annu, Consultants – Paediatric Cardiology, were also part of the initiative.