NEW DELHI: The battle against congenital heart diseases in Uttar Pradesh received a major boost with the inauguration of the SGPGI Saloni Heart Foundation Centre, the state’s first paediatric heart facility, on Tuesday. This important development aims to address the urgent healthcare needs of newborns facing such critical conditions.
Inaugurated in the presence of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Mrinalini Seth, founder and president of the California-based Saloni Heart Foundation USA, the centre has commenced operations with 30 beds and a dedicated intensive care unit, fully equipped with the necessary medical facilities. This initiative is particularly significant given that over 75,000 newborns in Uttar Pradesh are at risk from congenital heart diseases each year.
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Across India, nearly 2.4 lakh babies are born with congenital heart defects annually, with around 48,000 requiring surgical intervention to survive. Uttar Pradesh alone accounts for approximately 9,000 of these cases. Unfortunately, the lack of resources and specialized care has resulted in many lives being lost; nearly 68% of these children either die waiting for surgery or face complications during the wait.
Before the establishment of this new centre in Lucknow, India had only 10 paediatric cardiac centres performing about 15,000 procedures each year, emphasizing the critical gap in healthcare services for these vulnerable patients. In stark contrast, 97% of children with congenital heart diseases survive in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for improved facilities in India.
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The SGPGI Saloni Heart Foundation Centre represents a significant step forward in addressing this healthcare crisis, offering hope to countless families. With its comprehensive care model, the centre aims to provide timely surgical interventions and post-operative care, reducing the waiting time and increasing the survival rates for affected infants. As the centre begins its journey, it stands as a beacon of hope for many in Uttar Pradesh, paving the way for a healthier future for the state’s youngest citizens.