Wockhardt Hospital and Wockhardt Foundation join forces to fight CHD
A kite-flying activity for 300 children in Mumbai was organised to pledge support to save young lives
In its quest to fight congenital heart disorders, Wockhardt Hospitals, South Mumbai, recently undertook a unique initiative in association with Wockhardt Foundation. The hospital organised a kite-flying activity for 300 kids at Girgaum Chowpatty, Mumbai, and entreated Mumbaikars to donate generously for the cause.
Wockhardt Hospitals, South Mumbai, organised this initiative ‘Dil Se Dil Milate Chalo’ on the eve of Children’s Day with the support of Wockhardt Foundation. The aim was to spread awareness about congenital heart disorders and to persuade people to come together and support a life by donating money. As a part of the initiative, Wockhardt Hospitals pledged to support one child for each child supported by the people.
The children were seen enjoying the fun activity and were soaring the kites as high as they could.
Speaking about the initiative, Zahabiya Khorakiwala, MD, Wockhardt Hospitals said, “We cannot all be surgeons, but we can still support saving a little child’s life. Excellent medical care for treating congenital heart disorders comes to about three lakh rupees. A financial support of Rs 50,000 can make a huge difference to the life of the suffering child and his/her family. When you support one child, you save two lives, because for every one child supported by you, we solemnly pledge to support another child at the Wockhardt Heart Institute. We have taken this pledge because we genuinely believe that indeed ‘Life Wins’. Dil Se Dil Milate Chalo because when Hope Wins, Life Wins.”
Dr Suresh Joshi, Director – Paediatric and Congenital Heart Centre, Wockhardt Heart Institute, Wockhardt Hospitals South Mumbai, said, “Congenital heart efects (CHDs) are the most common types of birth defects. The incidence of CHD worldwide is around 10-12/1000 live births. In India, around 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 children are born with heart defects each year in India. Of these, only around 10,000 children are operated in 13 major centres in India.”
He further added, “There is a need for more dedicated centres for treating congenital heart disorders in our country. At Wockhardt Hospitals, South Mumbai, we have a dedicated centre and a committed team to treat congenital heart disorders both in children and adults. The state-of-the-art paediatric cardiac centre at Wockhardt Heart Institute is designed to take care of one year to sixty years old patients with birth defects of heart.”