Jharkhand to cover up to ₹10 lakh in treatment costs for needy children with congenital heart disease

On 30 October 2026, Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari launched the Gift of Life programme in Ranchi to provide treatment for eligible, needy children with congenital heart disease. The state government will spend between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh per child and cover the full cost of care.

Screening, treatment and planned facilities

A camp screened 380 children from birth to 18 years of age. Children confirmed to have congenital heart disease will be referred to Amrita Hospital in Kochi for further treatment and surgery. Covered expenses include examinations, surgery, medicines, accommodation, food and travel. The programme also provides for follow-up after surgery and safe return home.

The government has also directed officials to develop treatment facilities at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi. Plans include appointing specialist doctors and providing medical equipment and other resources within a year.

Important Facts for Exams

• Defect classification: Congenital heart defects are grouped as cyanotic or non-cyanotic according to whether a child may develop a bluish colour.
• Pulse-oximetry screening: Pulse oximetry measures blood oxygen non-invasively and can help detect low oxygen levels that may indicate critical congenital heart disease.
• Prenatal detection: Fetal echocardiography can identify many congenital heart defects in the second trimester, typically around 18–24 weeks of pregnancy.