Chhattisgarh: 'Project Dhadkan' brings free heart treatment to children in remote Narayanpur

A lifesaving healthcare initiative, 'Project Dhadkan', being implemented by the administration in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district is helping identify heart-related complications among children in remote areas and ensuring timely treatment free of cost.

A lifesaving healthcare initiative, 'Project Dhadkan', being implemented by the administration in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district is helping identify heart-related complications among children in remote areas and ensuring timely treatment free of cost. The initiative has provided a new lease of life to several children, including one-and-a-half-year-old Parul Dugga, a resident of remote Brehbeda village, who was suffering from breathing difficulties caused by a congenital heart condition.

Parul's family was initially unaware that she was suffering from a congenital heart disease. Her condition was detected during a health screening conducted as part of Project Dhadkan. The district administration, along with the Chirayu team, has been conducting regular health check-ups for children at Anganwadi centres and schools across remote parts of the district.

During one such screening, doctors noticed that Parul had a rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing. Further medical evaluation revealed that she was suffering from a congenital heart condition that required immediate treatment. Narayanpur Collector Namrata Jain said around 5,600 children had been screened under Project Dhadkan so far and that several heart conditions had been detected for the first time through the initiative.

"Nearly 5600 children have been screened so far under 'Project Dhadkan' and heart conditions have been identified in many children for the first time. Children requiring surgery are being referred to Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, AIIMS and other specialized institutions for completely free treatment," Jain said. The Collector said the initiative was aimed at taking healthcare services to children living in some of the district's most remote areas.

"This is not just medical treatment, but a sensitive effort to take healthcare services into the most remote regions," she said. According to the district administration, the initiative is being implemented in line with the vision of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to strengthen healthcare access in remote areas under the Niyad Nellanar Scheme.

Recalling her daughter's condition, Parul's mother Chaiti Dugga said the child would become breathless even while sitting up slightly or playing. She said the family could not understand what was troubling their young daughter until the health screening at an Anganwadi centre identified the problem.

Following the diagnosis, the district administration and health department facilitated Parul's treatment in Raipur, where she underwent successful heart surgery without the family having to spend any money. "Earlier, watching our daughter's rapid heartbeat filled us with fear every day. She struggled to breathe and couldn't even play. But today, after the operation, she is completely healthy. There can be no greater happiness for our family," Parul's father Janguram Dugga said.

He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the district administration and the health department for helping his daughter receive treatment. Dr Kunwar Singh Usendi, a member of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) Chirayu team, said children suspected of having heart conditions are initially subjected to echocardiography.

"Once the condition is confirmed, the entire treatment--including surgery, hospitalisation, travel, and food--is provided completely free of charge," Usendi said. He added that the health teams continue to monitor children after surgery to ensure their recovery and long-term well-being.

Usendi said Parul's heart condition was detected during routine screening, following which she underwent surgery and has now recovered. "Currently, several other children in the district have been identified and will undergo surgery soon," he added.

Through Project Dhadkan, the Narayanpur administration is continuing its screening and referral efforts to ensure that children in remote villages do not remain undiagnosed with serious heart conditions and can access specialised treatment without financial burden. (ANI)