Tripura, 8 Nov 2025: A newborn from Tentultilla village under Ayushman Arogya Mandir, Sepahijala area of Khowai district, was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease soon after birth. The baby was delivered at Khowai District Hospital’s delivery point on December 26, 2024.
Immediately after birth, doctors under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) examined the newborn and suspected a heart condition. Coincidentally, on that very day, a special cardiac screening camp was being held in the hospital premises by Shija Hospital, Manipur. The infant underwent echocardiography, which confirmed a severe congenital heart defect.
Following the diagnosis, the medical team advised urgent surgery. However, the child’s parents, belonging to an economically disadvantaged family, were deeply worried about the cost of treatment. At this point, the RBSK team at Khowai District Hospital assured them that the entire expense of the complex surgery would be covered under the RBSK scheme.
Subsequently, on September 9, 2025, the baby was referred to Apollo Children’s Hospital, Chennai, for advanced treatment. On September 24, 2025, renowned pediatric cardiologist Dr. C.A. Samathukumar and his experienced team successfully performed the complex cardiac surgery.
The baby remained under close observation until October 3, 2025, and was discharged after showing significant improvement. Doctors advised follow-up monitoring and regular health checkups over the next three months.
On November 4, 2025, RBSK team members Dr. Raima Debbarma, Dr. Paresh Debbarma, and Pharmacist Biswajit Barman visited the child’s home to assess the post-surgery condition. They confirmed that the baby’s health had improved remarkably and that the child was now on the path to complete recovery.
The grateful parents expressed heartfelt thanks to the RBSK medical team, healthcare workers, and the Department of Health, saying that the government’s initiative had given their child a new lease on life.
Today, the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram continues to shine as a beacon of hope bringing smiles and good health to children across Tripura.
