Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: The Heart Valve Foundation of India (HVFI) launched a project to fund free cardiac care for low-income patients from Assam. The initiative provides a Rs 50 lakh grant covering procedures at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in Okhla, New Delhi. Patients must hold a referral from the Assam government to qualify.
Organizers cited mounting financial pressure on families as the primary driver. Hospital stays for cardiovascular issues often top Rs 1 lakh in private facilities. Dr. Ashok Seth, chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, explained the motivation behind the move. He said, "Many patients with complex heart conditions are unable to access life-saving treatment because of financial constraints."
Beyond surgery, the partnership aims to build local skill sets. Specialists including Dr. Seth, Dr. Aparna Jaswal, and Dr. Ritwick Raj Bhuyan will lead training sessions at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. The program also offers complex procedures at government-approved rates for those requiring non-covered care.
Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal attended an interactive knowledge forum in Guwahati on Saturday. The forum connected Delhi specialists with local doctors to review heart failure management. Dr. Vikram Aggarwal of Fortis noted the plan removes geographical hurdles. It seeks to bridge the gap in tertiary cardiac care for the entire Northeast region.
Comments