NL Corresspondent
Srinagar: A screening camp was organized for children with Congenital Heart Defects in Srinagar, Kashmir by Rotary Club Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir Rotary district 3070, Genesis Foundation and Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Cochin. A total of 250 children were screened and 97 (39%) were identified to be need of an intervention in the form of a heart surgery or a catheter procedure. The camp was a part of a relentless effort being undertaken to bring hope and healing to people who need it the most. These children who would have otherwise suffered silently, were given a chance at life through the camp. The camp saw children show up from districts such as Budgam, Ganderbal, Sonpore, Shadipora and many more.
“Congenital Heart disease (CHD) is increasingly recognized as an important reason for infant mortality in many parts of the country that are showing improved human development indices. Southern States, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and the Metros are examples where CHD is emerging as a significant pediatric health problem. Caring for children with heart disease is challenging and expensive because it requires sophisticated equipment and infrastructure together with a cohesive team of highly qualified health professionals that include pediatric heart surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, intensive care experts and specially trained nurses. The most vulnerable group, newborns and infants, require the maximum resources and expertise. It is not therefore, surprising that economic barriers come in the way of most Indian children receiving timely care for their heart conditions. Screening camps enable detection and help improve awareness among caregivers, health authorities and in the general population.” Said Dr Krishna Kumar, Head of the Department of Pediatric Cardiology at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Cochin. “Screening camps have been an important vertical of our work. Camps enable us to take diagnostic facilities and doctors to the doorstep of children who would otherwise be left undiagnosed. This is an important step in our effort to ensure that children across the country do not die or face lifelong challenges only because of a lack of awareness and resources,” said Simran Sagar Singh, Operations Director, Genesis Foundation.
The children diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect at the camp will be treated at the AMRITA Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Cochin. “By conducting many such camps across the country, we hope to build awareness and expand our reach at the grassroot level where many children do not receive the required diagnosis and treatment.
