The Indian Association of Uganda announced a significant initiative aimed at aiding children suffering from heart conditions in Uganda. At the heart of their efforts lies a commitment to providing life-saving surgeries free of charge to those in need.
In a recent press conference held at their headquarters in Kampala, Mr. Sasi Kumar, the Secretary of the Association revealed that they are set to send at least 150 children to India for heart surgeries this year alone.
This announcement came as the third batch of beneficiaries, consisting of five children embarked on their journey to Namar Heart Hospital in India for their operations.
Mr. Kumar emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly highlighting the case of one child who due to the severity of their condition, had to travel accompanied by oxygen support a caretaker and a dedicated medical professional to monitor their health throughout the journey.
Crucially, the Indian Association is not undertaking this endeavor alone. They have forged a vital partnership with the Rotary Club of Ssese Island who will be jointly covering the medical expenses for these surgeries. Additionally, Uganda Airlines has generously provided tickets at a concession rate to facilitate the travel of these children and their caregivers.
Mr. Kumar expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort noting that this time they were able to send five children instead of their usual three, thanks to the support from the Rotary Club of Ssese. This third batch brings the total number of children sent for surgeries in the past three months to 11.
The financial burden of such surgeries is substantial, with each child and their caretaker requiring between $5,000 and $8,000. Yet, despite the challenges the Association remains steadfast in their mission to provide these life-saving interventions to those who need them most.
Ms. Ritah Namyalo, CEO of the Healthy Heart Foundation, shed light on the prevalence of congenital heart disease among children in Uganda. With approximately 1.6 million children born each year, she emphasized that even though congenital heart disease affects only a small percentage, the country lacks the resources to treat all cases domestically, necessitating the need for international assistance.
The personal stories shared by parents further underscored the importance of this initiative. Mr. Posiano Mbaziira, a father from Kayunga District, recounted his journey of seeking treatment for his daughter, who was diagnosed with a heart condition at the Uganda Heart Institute. He expressed gratitude to the Indian Association for providing the opportunity for his daughter to receive the necessary medical care free of charge.
The Indian Association’s longstanding commitment to this cause is evident in their track record. Over their 101 years of existence in Uganda, they have facilitated successful surgeries for 165 children in India.
However, challenges persist within Uganda’s healthcare system, as highlighted by a 2020 study conducted by Judith Namuyonga and colleagues from the Uganda Heart Institute. The study revealed significant delays in diagnosis and treatment due to gaps in the healthcare system, particularly concerning neonatal cases of congenital heart disease.
Despite these challenges, the collaborative efforts of organizations like the Indian Association of Uganda and the Rotary Club of Ssese Island serve as a beacon of hope for children in Uganda battling congenital heart conditions ensuring that they receive the care they desperately need to live healthier, happier lives.
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