The Health Department has performed heart surgeries on 8,000 children under the Hridyam scheme, which was launched in August 2017 to provide free expert medical care for children with congenital heart disease. The scheme ensures free diagnosis, surgery, and post-operative care at empanelled hospitals across the state. So far, 24,222 children have registered for treatment under Hridyam, including 15,686 infants below one year of age. Of the total registered children, 8,000 who required surgery have successfully undergone heart procedures.

By integrating government and private health institutions, the Hridyam scheme plays a vital role in significantly reducing heart-related health issues in children and lowering the infant mortality rate in the state.

The Health Department is implementing major interventions through this project to ensure the early detection and treatment of heart defects in children. The Hridyam website has been expanded to ensure follow-up care for treated children and strengthen post-treatment measures. Additionally, ventilator/ICU and ambulance services are available to provide expert medical care within 24 hours in emergency cases.

Timely heart surgery can be life-saving for children with congenital heart disease. The Hridyam scheme provides medical care for children from newborns to 18 years of age. Heart disease screening is conducted for all babies born in government hospitals, and screenings are also carried out at homes, Anganwadis, and schools to ensure comprehensive care for all children.

If symptoms of heart disease are detected, a specialist examination, including an echocardiogram, will be conducted. If a heart condition is diagnosed in an unborn child, continuous medical care is ensured from birth. Surgery is performed at government hospitals or empanelled private hospitals.

Eight government and private hospitals have been empanelled under the Hridyam project. Over the past three years, more than 1,000 children have received specialized heart treatment at SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. A dedicated pediatric heart surgery department has been established, enabling advanced procedures such as ECMO treatment and complex heart surgeries.

A follow-up support program is being implemented to ensure the physical, mental, and intellectual development of children who have received heart disease treatment through Hridyam. These children require additional care compared to their peers. Those identified with health concerns during follow-up assessments receive continued treatment through District Early Intervention Centers.