‘Gift of Life’ programme launched at RIMS; 380 children screened for congenital heart disease
State government to fund treatment and surgeries costing up to ₹15 lakh; Amrita Hospital, Kochi, to provide specialised care
Ranchi: In a major initiative to provide life-saving medical care to underprivileged children, Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari on Friday launched the ‘Gift of Life’ programme at the RIMS Auditorium in Ranchi. Jointly organised by the State Health Department and Amrita Hospital, Kochi, the initiative aims to provide free diagnosis, treatment and cardiac surgeries to children suffering from congenital heart disease (CHD).
Around 380 children from different districts of Jharkhand underwent screening by a team of specialist doctors. More than 350 children are expected to benefit from the initiative through further medical evaluation and appropriate treatment, including surgery wherever necessary.
Addressing the gathering, Ansari said he had personally witnessed the hardships faced by families unable to afford expensive treatment for seriously ill children.
“I have seen poverty with my own eyes. I have witnessed the pain of parents who cannot afford treatment for their seriously ill children. I have resolved that no poor child in Jharkhand should lose his or her life due to a lack of medical treatment,” he said.
Describing the initiative as a commitment to safeguard the lives of children from economically weaker families, the minister assured parents that financial constraints would not prevent their children from receiving necessary treatment.
Government to bear treatment costs up to ₹15 lakh
Ansari announced that the state government would bear the entire treatment expenditure for eligible children. Depending on individual medical requirements, financial assistance ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh would be arranged, while expenses in complicated cases could go up to ₹15 lakh.
The assistance will cover medical investigations, specialist consultations, surgery, medicines, hospitalisation, food, travel expenses for children and their parents, and post-operative follow-up.
380 children screened for heart defects
The screening programme covers various congenital heart conditions, including Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), congenital valve disorders and complex cardiac abnormalities.
Diagnostic tests will include 2D Echocardiography, Colour Doppler, ECG, Pulse Oximetry and other investigations as required.
Based on the medical assessments, each child will receive an individualised treatment plan. While some may need regular monitoring or medication, others may require catheter-based procedures or open-heart surgery.
Specialist doctors from Amrita Hospital, Kochi, will provide medical evaluation and treatment to the identified children.
RIMS to be developed as paediatric cardiac care centre
The Health Minister directed officials to initiate steps to establish permanent facilities for congenital heart disease treatment and cardiac surgery at RIMS, Ranchi.
He emphasised the need for specialist doctors, modern medical equipment, advanced operation theatres, intensive care facilities and trained healthcare personnel.
Ansari said the government’s objective was to ensure that children from Jharkhand would not have to travel to other states for advanced cardiac treatment. He added that efforts were being made under the guidance of Chief Minister Hemant Soren to strengthen specialised healthcare infrastructure within the state.
Specialist recruitment and equipment planned within a year
Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department Ajay Kumar Singh said the collaboration with Amrita Hospital, Kochi, would provide significant support to children suffering from congenital heart conditions.
He said the department would work towards recruiting specialist doctors and procuring modern medical equipment within the next year. The government also plans to develop the necessary infrastructure at RIMS to enable advanced cardiac treatment and surgeries within Jharkhand.
Parents express gratitude
The programme witnessed emotional moments as several parents became overwhelmed while interacting with the Health Minister. Many expressed gratitude, saying financial difficulties had earlier prevented them from arranging specialised treatment for their children.
Responding to their concerns, Ansari said the recovery of children and the happiness it brought to their families would be the greatest reward for his efforts.
“When a child returns home healthy after successful treatment and happiness returns to the family, I will consider my efforts successful,” he said.
NHM Mission Director highlights collective efforts
NHM Mission Director Shashi Prakash Jha said the Health Minister’s vision and sustained efforts were beginning to translate into concrete initiatives. He appreciated the contributions of doctors, healthcare workers and departmental officials in implementing the programme.
Ansari also urged parents to remain alert to symptoms such as difficulty in feeding, rapid breathing, excessive sweating, poor weight gain, bluish lips and recurrent chest infections. He advised them to seek medical attention promptly if any of these signs appeared.
The minister further appealed to MPs, MLAs, local representatives, Zila Parishad members and village Mukhiyas to identify children suffering from congenital heart disease, particularly those from economically weaker families, and inform the Health Department.
The programme was attended by RIMS Director Dr D.K. Sinha, NHM Mission Director Shashi Prakash Jha, Dr Brajesh from Amrita Hospital, Kochi, senior doctors, Health Department officials, paramedical staff, children from various districts and their parents.