Pediatric cardiac diseases in India are 8-10/1000 live births, according to medical researchers. Nearly one third to half of these congenital heart diseases is critical, requiring intervention in the first year of life itself. However, rapid advances have taken place in the diagnosis and treatment of the same.

Against this backdrop Dr. (Col) R R Pulgaonkar, COO & Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal informed “Free Cardiac Screening Camp for Children” is being organized at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal for children of all age groups. During the camp, there will be free ECG and free Echo cardiogram for the sick children who require the investigations.”

The free ‘Cardiac Screening Camp’ for children will be held from 08th June to 10th June 2011. There will be special screening for infants and young children below the age of five years, adds Dr Pulgaonkar. Financial assistance is also being offered to the patients facing financial crunch. It will be arranged through support from Manipal Foundation. Patients eligible under various schemes will also be able to avail of this opportunity.

A special ‘Pediatric Cardiac Clinic’ is being organized in Kasturba Hospital, Manipal on 11th June 2011 in association with Manipal Heart Institute of Manipal Hospital in Bangalore. The team from Manipal Heart Institute will provide expert advice to patients. The team includes Dr. Devananda N S, Consultant & Head, Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore.

Dr. Devananda has many years of rich experience in the field of pediatric cardiac surgery. He has worked with premier cardiac center’s in India and abroad and has undertaken large number of pediatric cardio thoracic surgeries. Pediatric cardiac care given by Kasturba Hospital, Manipal has been a land mark in the services, in this area.