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Paediatric heart care in India
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India. rkrishnakumar@aims.amrita.edu
Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|July 16, 2008
Summary
India faces a significant burden of paediatric heart disease, particularly congenital heart disease (CHD). Insufficient specialized care and high costs hinder effective management for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric Cardiology
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
Background:
- Systematic efforts to define the burden of paediatric heart disease in India are limited.
- Estimates suggest a substantial burden of congenital heart disease (CHD) at birth, with other heart conditions also being significant.
- The availability of paediatric cardiac care programs and trained professionals is inadequate and unevenly distributed across India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant burden of paediatric heart disease in India.
- To identify the challenges in providing adequate paediatric cardiac care.
- To emphasize the need for developing the specialty of paediatric cardiology in India.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and estimates on paediatric heart disease prevalence.
- Analysis of the current infrastructure and human resources for paediatric cardiac care in India.
- Assessment of socioeconomic factors impacting access to care.
Main Results:
- A massive burden of congenital heart disease (CHD) is estimated, with substantial numbers of other paediatric heart conditions.
- Paediatric heart programs and trained specialists are insufficient and concentrated in economically developed regions.
- The cost of care is prohibitive for most families, requiring significant resources and technology.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need to intensify efforts to develop paediatric cardiology services across India.
- Key challenges include obtaining accurate disease burden data, establishing quality institutions, training professionals, and developing cost-effective strategies.
- Improving awareness and access to diagnosis and management of paediatric heart diseases is crucial.
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