Paediatric heart disease is an abnormality of the heart in infants and children in terms of structure or functioning. These conditions can be present at birth or develop later and can affect blood flow, oxygen delivery, and overall growth. They may cause severe health complications if they are not treated on time.
In this blog, we explain how free paediatric cardiac surgery in India supports children from economically weaker families.
Understanding Paediatric Heart Conditions
Paediatric heart conditions include congenital and acquired disorders. Congenital heart diseases are present at birth and may involve defects in heart chambers, valves, or blood vessels. Acquired conditions develop later due to infections, inflammation, or systemic illness.
Unlike general paediatric care, paediatric cardiology focuses on heart structure and function in children. When surgery is required, a paediatric cardiologist surgeon plans and performs corrective surgeries. Families often seek care from the best paediatric cardiologist in Faridabad for accurate diagnosis, safe treatment, and long-term follow-up.
The Meaning of Paediatric Cardiac Surgery
Paediatric cardiac surgery refers to surgeries performed to correct structural or functional heart defects in infants and children. These operations address conditions such as heart defects, valve abnormalities, and complex congenital malformations that interfere with normal blood flow and oxygen delivery.
The surgery is planned and performed by a paediatric cardiac surgeon, a paediatric cardiologist and a critical care team. Pre-surgical evaluation under specialised paediatric cardiology services ensures accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment planning, allowing children to undergo surgery safely and effectively.
Free Paediatric Cardiac Surgery in India
India has also established various channels to offer free or subsidised heart treatment for children through government programmes, charitable trusts, and hospital initiatives. These initiatives aim to ensure that children in weaker families receive paediatric cardiac surgery promptly, at no cost.
The free paediatric cardiac surgery in Delhi NCR programmes focus on connecting families with specialised centres, well-trained teams, and coordinated care within established paediatric cardiology departments.
Hospitals Offering Free Paediatric Cardiac Surgery
In India, free paediatric heart care is provided by government hospitals, charitable organisations, and multi-speciality centres like Sarvodaya Hospital, Sec 8, Faridabad that collaborate with national health schemes. These hospitals have specialised paediatric intensive care units, high-end operating theatres, and diagnostic units required for safe paediatric cardiac surgery.
Major treatment hubs are located in Faridabad, Delhi NCR, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Centres supported by the best paediatric cardiologist in India often serve as referral points for complex cases. Families in northern India commonly access care through a paediatric cardiologist in Delhi NCR, where structured pathways for screening, referral, and surgery are available under free treatment programmes.
Read More- Understanding Heart Problems in Children: Early Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Eligibility Criteria for Free Treatment
Free paediatric heart surgery programmes are designed for children from economically disadvantaged families who require urgent cardiac intervention. Eligibility is assessed jointly by the hospital and the supporting government or charitable scheme, ensuring that treatment reaches those most in need.
Before approval, each child undergoes a clinical evaluation by paediatric cardiology services to confirm the diagnosis, severity, and surgical requirement. The treating paediatric cardiologist then guides parents through the eligibility process and documentation.
To qualify for free treatment, families are generally required to meet the following criteria:
- Proof of income or economic status
- Confirmed diagnosis requiring paediatric cardiac surgery
- Referral from a registered cardiac paediatrician or hospital
- Enrolment under a recognised government health scheme
- Approval after hospital-based medical assessment
These steps ensure transparency, medical necessity, and equitable access to care.
Application and Treatment Process
The process begins with a confirmed diagnosis by a cardiac paediatrician. Once a heart defect requiring surgery is identified, the child is referred to a recognised centre offering free treatment. Families are guided through scheme selection, documentation, and hospital registration.
At referral centres, including those providing free paediatric cardiac surgery in Delhi NCR, the child undergoes a detailed evaluation under paediatric cardiology services. After approval, the surgical plan is finalised by the paediatric cardiologist and surgeon, followed by pre-operative counselling, surgery, and structured post-operative care.
Life After Surgery and Long-Term Care
Recovery after paediatric cardiac surgery involves structured medical supervision and a gradual return to routine activity. Children are monitored in a paediatric intensive care unit before shifting to ward-based care. Parents receive clear instructions to support healing and stability at home.
Long-term outcomes depend on regular follow-up under specialised paediatric cardiology services. Ongoing care focuses on heart function, growth, and development.
Post-surgical care is common:
- Scheduled follow-up visits with a paediatric cardiologist
- Medication adherence as prescribed
- Activity guidance based on the recovery stage
- Nutritional support for healthy growth
- Monitoring for symptoms or complications
This structured approach supports safe recovery and sustained heart health through childhood and adolescence.
Read More- Why Early Paediatric Cardiology Can Save Your Child’s Heart Health
Conclusion
India has established a formal channel for children in need of cardiac care, enabling free heart care in its cardiac units. These programmes provide access to much-needed paediatric cardiac surgery, free from financial constraints, through coordinated diagnosis, referral, and surgery. Through a timely treatment based on specialised paediatric cardiology services, a lot of children record stable cardiac health.
Sarvodaya Hospital in Faridabad, under their non-profit CSR initiative Sarvodaya Foundation offers free cardiac surgery to underprivileged children, helping families with access to advanced heart treatment for children. The hospital provides children with access to accurate diagnoses and safe treatment through an experienced team, advanced facilities, and free treatment pathways.
Early action improves outcomes and simplifies treatment. To begin structured care and evaluation, book an appointment now.
