Dubai based NGO, Tareeq Al Zuhoor Campaign (TAZC) has tied up with Narayana Hrudayalaya to provide medical care at subsidised rates for 2,500 Iraqi children and adults over the next one year.

Around 22 children aged four months to 15 years are currently undergoing treatment for congenital heart defects, neurological disorders, eye disorders, cancer at the hospital in Bangalore.

Narayana Hrudayalaya, the world's largest centre for paediatric cardiac care has begun treatment of the second batch of Iraqi patients through the NGO.

"We have an abundance of medical expertise in our country offered at an reasonable cost. This helps us to fulfil our promise of providing quality medical care to the 2500 Iraqi patients. This second batch of patients flown in indicates the assurance from an Indian hospital," stated Dr Devi Shetty, chairman, Narayana Hrudayalaya.

The children along with a few adult patients in need of medical attention were brought to Baghdad from remote parts of the country by the TAZC. The investigation reports were sent in advance to the hospital after which the patients were selected based on severity of their condition. Ayad Abbas, Consultant and Philanthropist travels with the patients to Narayana Hrudayalaya.

"The situation in Iraq post-war has left the poor and needy with no access to healthcare. We are already preparing our next batch of patients for treatment. We want to provide quality healthcare services to various patients in Iraq. We are also keen to bring a team of doctors from Iraq to Narayana Hrudayalaya to train them in various aspects of healthcare" said Abbas.