Deprived of quality medical care, children with congenital heart disorders in Andhra Pradesh had been losing their lives. In order to address this situation, 27 healthcare organizations, including private and Government hospitals in the state had come forward.

Among them, Apollo Children's Heart Hospital, Hyderabad has screened over 500 children each at Hyderabad and Cuddapah. Out of these 1000 children, about 547 children were found to be in need of heart surgeries. Apollo could conduct surgery on 47 children so far, and 500 children are yet to undergo surgeries. However, the hospital has made an appeal to individuals, organizations and NGOs to donate funds in order to fulfil the treatment costs.

Meanwhile, the Hyderabad-based Natco Trust has already expressed its consent to support the efforts, sources said.

It may be noted, Apollo's 'Save a Child's Heart Foundation' (SACH) has been offering financial aid to children with heart diseases. SACH has so far screened over 20,000 children and has provided treatment of varying degrees to 154 children. The total cost of services provided by SACH in the last 18 months is over Rs 1 crore.

The Government of AP has recently announced a grant of Rs 25,000 per child, to those who belong to lower socio-economic group, towards treatment of heart disorders. With Apollo bearing Rs 25,000 of the total cost per case (Rs 75,000) and Government funding of Rs 25,000, there are problems in arranging the remaining funds up to Rs 25,000 for each case.

Though congenital heart disorders are common in many states of the country, there are few states where both the hospitals and the Government are actively seeking ways to offer necessary medical attention.