Alsiba, an eight-year-old-girl, was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, where electrical signals were not reaching the pumping chambers. She was also experiencing fainting spells, breathlessness and episodes of coughing blood, indicating early heart failure.
Her parents consulted several doctors and visited multiple hospitals but could not afford the proposed treatment. Through the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), they learnt about the specialised care at Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital and Research Centre. On admission, the multidisciplinary team stabilised Alsiba, counselled the family and recommended a permanent pacemaker to restore a safe, regular heartbeat. The device, worth over ₹1 lakh, assumes the pacing function so each beat occurs at the right time and rate. The surgery was completed smoothly, after which Alsiba was monitored in the Paediatric ICU.
Given her family’s financial situation, all services – including the device, surgery, medicines and after-care – were provided free of cost! Today, Alsiba’s heartbeat is steady, as she slowly recovers to full health. For her parents, the worry that once filled every day has eased into relief and gratitude!