Patna: Health Minister Nishant Kumar on Saturday flagged off the 100th batch of children under the Bal Hriday Yojana for specialised cardiac treatment. A total of 32 children suffering from congenital heart ailments were sent from Patna to Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital in Ahmedabad for free treatment and surgery.
Nishant said, “The goal of the government is to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder any child’s treatment.” He added that the children belonged to several districts, including Patna, Nalanda, Buxar, Jehanabad, Samastipur, Vaishali, East Champaran, Madhepura, Munger, Khagaria and Madhubani.
About Bal Hriday Yojana
Launched in April 2021 under the Saat Nischay-2 programme, the Bal Hriday Yojana provides free screening and treatment to children aged up to 18 years suffering from congenital heart diseases. Officials said the scheme has so far facilitated treatment for 3,101 children across the state, ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent access to life-saving medical care.
Identification and Referral Process
Eligible beneficiaries are identified through regular screening camps conducted across Bihar. After diagnosis, children are referred to specialised institutions, including Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology (IGIC), Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Medanta Hospital and Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital.
Senior officials of the State Health Society were present during the flagging-off ceremony.
