"Our effort is to provide affordable, quality treatment to all kids coming to (Bai Jerbai) Wadia Hospital (for Children)… This is yet another initiative… With the continued support of the government we hope to launch many more such initiatives,” said Ness Wadia, managing director of the Wadia Group while inaugurating a five-day free pediatric cardiac screening camp at the Hospital between August 13-18, 2018. More than 100 parents, with their children were present for the function, as was actor John Abraham.
Clockwise from above left: Inaugurating the cardiac camp: Omprakash Shete,
Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, Ness Wadia; John Abraham with children;
Independence Day bonhomie
A press release from the Hospital notes that more than 1,50,000 children are born annually with critical heart disease (CHD), for which 60,000-90,000 need timely intervention to ensure survival. Noting that this is due to most births occurring without the supervision of a pediatrician or neonatologist, the write-up states that even when CHD is suspected, there is a significant time lag before referral to a pediatric cardiac center for intervention.
Hospital chief operating officer Dr Minnie Bodhanwala noted that in 2017, the Hospital conducted 200 pediatric cardiac surgeries, and in 2018 "we wish to conduct 500 more… This Independence Day we at Wadia Hospital endeavor to free every kid from cardiac ailments by offering… cardiac consultation and cardiac surgery to eligible cases without any cost.” Omprakash Shete, head of the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell who was present at the occasion appreciated the efforts of the Hospital to "stand for such a noble cause.”