Jharkhand Sends 20 Children to Kochi for Free Heart Treatment, Government to Bear All Expenses

The Jharkhand Health Department has stepped up efforts to provide free treatment to children from economically weaker families suffering from congenital heart defects. On Monday, 20 children were sent from Ranchi to Amrita Hospital in Kochi for specialised treatment and, if required, heart surgery.

According to the Health Department, the state government will bear the expenses related to medical tests, treatment, surgery, medicines, food, accommodation and travel for eligible children and their accompanying parents.

Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari said the government has set a target of providing treatment to around 100 children under the initiative. He added that 75 children had already undergone free heart surgery through earlier efforts of the department.

The latest group of 20 children and their parents left Ranchi for Kochi on Monday. The children have been diagnosed with congenital heart conditions that require specialised medical care. They will undergo the necessary investigations at Amrita Hospital, following which doctors will decide the appropriate course of treatment, including surgery wherever required.

Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari saw the children off at Ranchi railway station and also gave them gifts. Officials from the Health Department and Railways were present on the occasion.

Government to cover treatment costing up to Rs 4-5 lakh

Congenital heart surgeries can cost several lakh rupees, placing a heavy financial burden on families with limited incomes. The state government's initiative is aimed at ensuring that financial difficulties do not prevent children from receiving timely treatment.

Under the programme, eligible children will receive support not only for surgery but also for pre-treatment investigations, medicines, hospitalisation and food. Travel arrangements for the children and their parents will also be covered.

The department also plans to monitor the children's health through follow-up care after treatment, so that medical support can continue after they return home.

Partnership with Amrita Hospital

The children are being sent to Kochi under a collaboration between the Jharkhand Health Department and Amrita Hospital. The first group under the latest phase comprises 20 children, while around 100 children are expected to benefit from the programme.

The department said its earlier efforts had already resulted in free heart surgeries for 75 children. The latest initiative is intended to extend similar support to more children requiring specialised cardiac treatment.

Teams under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) are also assisting with identifying children who require treatment and coordinating the process from screening to medical care.

Minister appeals to public representatives to identify needy children

Dr Irfan Ansari said no child should be denied treatment because of the family's financial condition. He noted that families of children with congenital heart disease often face the twin challenges of travelling to another state for specialised treatment and arranging large amounts of money for surgery.

The minister appealed to elected representatives to inform the Health Department about children in their constituencies who are suffering from congenital heart conditions but are unable to afford treatment. The department, he said, would facilitate treatment for eligible children under the initiative.

The programme is expected to provide relief to families who otherwise might struggle to access specialised paediatric cardiac care. It also highlights the importance of early identification and timely treatment of congenital heart conditions, particularly among children from financially vulnerable households.

Railways extends support

Railway officials and staff were present when the children departed from Ranchi railway station. The Health Department said the Railways provided necessary assistance to make the journey more convenient for the children and their parents.

MD, NHM, Shashi Prakash Jha, along with senior Health Department officials and staff, was also present. Officials said the children's travel, treatment and eventual return are being coordinated to ensure that the entire process is carried out smoothly.
 

Advertisement