Ten children from Salem district will undergo free heart surgeries at a private hospital in Chennai under the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. The District Collector, Dr. R. Brindha Devi, sent off the children and their parents from the Salem District Collectorate on Monday.
As part of, the School Health Program, children (up to 18 years) with congenital anomalies, diseases, disabilities, and developmental delays in children were identified. The program is conducted by 42 medical teams (21 male and 21 female) in Salem district, who visit schools annually and Anganwadi centers biannually to screen children, provide necessary treatment, and refer them for further medical care if needed.
From 2021 to July 2024, 939 children in Salem were newly diagnosed with heart defects. Of these, 250 children underwent free heart surgeries at government and private hospitals, while others received necessary medications and follow-up care. Additionally, surgeries were performed for various conditions, including rheumatic heart defects, clubfoot, cleft lip, cataracts, and hearing impairments.
In a recent heart health camp held on July 27, 2024, 146 children from Salem underwent ECG, Echo scan, and other tests. Ten of these children were recommended for heart surgeries, which will be performed at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, under the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme.
Dr. R. Brindha Devi, emphasized the government’s commitment to children's health and welfare during the event., Dr. Radhika and Dr. Soundammal, Deputy Directors of Health Services along with other officials, were also present at the occasion.