Free open-heart surgery for children in Manipur

Imphal, Aug 29 (ANI): Over the years, both Manipur Government and the Centre have initiated and supported many schemes and projects that focus on the socio- economic upliftment of people in the state.

The Rotary Club of Imphal has launched a 'heart to heart' project under which poor children are provided free medical treatment.

The project is specifically designed for children living below the poverty line within the age group of 0 to 15 years and born with congenital heart disease or holes in their hearts.

So far 40 children have gone through open-heart surgeries under the project.

"In Manipur there are about 10,000 children suffering from heart diseases. Unless those suffering are not treated corrected, they will not lead a normal life. For this matter, the Rotary Club has taken this project to save the children and help them lead a normal life. We are giving them free treatment and we will continue this project in the future also," said M Madhu Mangal Singh, President, Rotary Club, Imphalhe project was started in 2008 in Imphal. The entire cost for the operation is borne by the club. The funding comes from donations by individuals, other members of club and well wishers across the globe.

It works in collaboration with the Gift of Life project of Rotary clubs of New Delhi.

The children are operated at specialized institutes in Delhi and Durgapur in Bengal."I am so happy and grateful to Rotary Club because earlier we were worried about our daughter's operation but now with the club's help her disease could be cured," said Mani, a beneficiary

"I am happy the club is helping us. Earlier we thought that her heart disease could not be treated as we are poor and the cost for operation is too high. But now we are hopeful that she will be fine in some time," said Des David, another beneficiary. (ANI)