Free heart surgeries give hope to 12 children
Members of the Indian Association Uganda and Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese with children who are going for heart surgeries in India. Photo / Jessica Sabano
What you need to know:
- Paresh Mehta, community mobilizer, revealed that 200,000 children with heart problems are pending on the Ministry of Health's list
Teddy Nanteza's one-year-old son was in and out of Wakiso district health facilities, unaware of the four holes in his heart. After a referral to Mulago Hospital and Uganda Heart Institute, the diagnosis was clear: costly surgery was needed.
"My son's condition worried us as parents. He's always collapsing," Nanteza said. "We couldn't afford the expenses, but fortunately, he's among the fourth group of children traveling to India for cardiac surgeries."
Muhammed Waswa, a Ssembabule district resident, shares a similar story. His one-year-old daughter has two holes in her heart. "It's not been easy managing her condition, visiting hospitals to keep her alive. We were referred to India, but couldn't afford it."
Both children are beneficiaries of the Indian Association Uganda's heart surgery program, in conjunction with Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands and Mount Meru Group. Since 2008, the Association has facilitated over 200 free heart surgeries for Ugandan children.
"We've sent five children on Wednesday and seven today to save their lives," said Kumar Sasi Nair, Indian Association Uganda's secretary. "Our target is 100 surgeries by year-end."
Sareen Raju, Chairman of Indian Association Uganda, emphasized that the program supports needy children who cannot afford surgeries. "We offer various cardiac interventions, including bypass surgeries and valve replacement."
Paresh Mehta, community mobilizer, revealed that 200,000 children with heart problems are pending on the Ministry of Health's list. "With their support, we can establish a cardiac hospital in Uganda."
Daniel Mushabe, Mount Meru Group's general manager, pledged continued support. "We've contributed $25000 to help the less advantaged. We promise to continue helping those in need."
The Indian Association Uganda aims to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to establish a heart facility in Uganda, giving more children a second chance at life.
"We're grateful for this opportunity," Nanteza said, tears of joy in her eyes. "My son will have a chance to live a normal life."
