Congential heart diseases, such as ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) and VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect), occur mainly in the less privileged in our society. Simple sonography during pregnancy will detect these defects and the option of terminating the pregnancy could be explored. Such an option is not available to most rural pregnant mothers.

These diseases are, in many cases, fatal. Surgery is the only treatment option available. Such a treatment, however, is not available at all hospitals and is, unfortunately, costly, estimated at Rs 100,000 (US$ 2,200).

The hospital's Madhuben and Bhanubhai Patel Cardiac Centre is not only fully equipped to deal with such cases, but it has also experienced and well-qualified staff on board, and has, in its two years of operation, performed over 250 such surgeries with a remarkable success rate. In fact, the Centre now receives cases from all parts of Gujarat, and from neighboring states as well. As mentioned earlier, a contribution of Rs 100,000 (US$ 2200) could help us save a child and make the gift of a healthy, normal life.