RIMS Ranchi Begins Heart Screening for Jharkhand Children
Ranchi: Children from several districts of Jharkhand suffering from congenital heart disease were screened for surgery on Friday. A total of 380 children were examined, and those diagnosed with the condition will be chosen for further treatment and heart surgery.
The event was held at the RIMS Auditorium in Ranchi, where Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari inaugurated the 'Gift of Life' campaign. The health department has organised the initiative to treat poor children with congenital heart disease and protect their lives.
The minister said the department is determined that no poor child in Jharkhand should lose their life because of lack of treatment. He stressed that poverty must not stop any child from getting medical care.
Doctors from Amrita Hospital in Kochi will treat the children under the campaign, Dr Ansari said. The state government is preparing to cover the complete cost of investigations, surgery, medicines, hospitalisation, food, travel and post-surgery follow-up for more than 350 children. In critical cases, expenses up to Rs 15 lakh will be borne by the government.
Dr Ansari also directed officials to establish permanent paediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery services at RIMS.
Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh of the health department said Amrita Hospital's support is important for children in Jharkhand. He commended the health minister's vision and efforts and said specialist doctors will be recruited to treat congenital heart disease in the state.
Singh said the required specialists will be appointed and modern medical equipment procured within the next one year.
Shashi Prakash Jha, Mission Director of the National Health Mission, said a positive outlook on health and sustained efforts are now producing visible results.
RIMS Director Dr DK Sinha, Shashi Prakash Jha, Dr Brijesh of Amrita Hospital Kochi, senior doctors, health officials, paramedical staff, children from different districts and their guardians attended the programme.