Kochi, September 5, 2026: Shashi Prakash Jha, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Jharkhand, addressed children diagnosed with congenital heart disease, their parents, and representatives of Amrita Foundation, Rotary Kochi and the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) at Amrita Hospital in Kochi.
Jha appreciated the role of doctors associated with the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram in identifying, screening and facilitating treatment for children suffering from congenital heart diseases. Addressing the parents, he urged them to return to their respective areas and coordinate with MPs, MLAs and mukhiyas to identify and motivate at least five children each who require treatment for heart-related conditions.
He said the programme would be considered truly successful only when every child suffering from congenital heart disease in Jharkhand receives treatment and no child is left deprived of the necessary medical care.
The Mission Director also requested Amrita Hospital to explore the possibility of establishing similar treatment facilities in Jharkhand so that children suffering from congenital heart disease could receive treatment within the state itself.
He appreciated the contribution of NHM State Coordinator Mukesh Kumar and Amrita Hospital Public Relations Officer Aditya Kumar in the identification, screening and treatment coordination of children.
91 Children Undergo Heart Surgery
Under the programme, 98 children have so far been sent to Amrita Hospital in Kochi, of whom 91 have undergone heart surgery. The Mission Director expressed his gratitude to Amrita Hospital and Amrita Foundation for providing free surgeries as well as accommodation and food facilities for the children and their parents.
He also appreciated the support extended by Rotary Kochi, saying that the combined efforts of various organisations are helping needy children receive timely and quality treatment and giving them an opportunity for a healthier life.
The programme is being implemented under the vision and directions of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. It is being operated under the supervision of Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari and implemented under the guidance of Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, Ajay Kumar Singh.
As part of the initiative, children suffering from congenital heart conditions were sent from Hatia Railway Station in Ranchi to Amrita Hospital, Kochi, for free heart surgery and comprehensive treatment.
Amrita Hospital also felicitated the parents of the children during the programme. Dr. Brijesh, Dr. Krishna Kumar and their team were appreciated for their significant contribution to the treatment of the children.
Mission Director Shashi Prakash Jha and NHM State Coordinator Mukesh Kumar attended the programme held in Kochi.
