Rajasthan to Expand Child Heart Disease Registry and 2D Echo Services

Jaipur, January 2026 : Effective management of congenital heart diseases (CHD) in children will be ensured across the state. Steps will be taken to establish a Child Heart Disease Registry, develop regional CHD hubs, and expand 2D echocardiography services, along with strengthening other technical facilities. This was discussed during a video conference meeting with stakeholders on Friday at the Health Building, focusing on identification, management, treatment, and regular follow-up of children with congenital heart disease.

Dr. Amit Yadav, Mission Director, NHM, said that through the National Child Health Program of the central government, along with various state government initiatives, the management of heart and other diseases in newborns and children has been continuously strengthened. In 2024-25, 468 children with congenital heart disease were treated with medicines, and 355 underwent surgery. In 2025-26 (up to December), 262 children received medication and 304 received surgical care, saving the lives of many children with complex conditions. He added that a CVTS surgery unit costing Rs. 20 crore has recently been launched at JK Lon Hospital through RBSK, providing state-of-the-art treatment facilities for heart diseases. Efforts are also underway to develop similar facilities in other hospitals across the state.

Dr. T. Shubhamangala, Additional Mission Director, NHM, emphasized the importance of early detection of congenital heart defects and strengthening referral-treatment services. She stressed coordinated efforts with all stakeholders to ensure timely treatment and prevent congenital heart disease in children, from urban to rural areas.

Representatives from Children Heart Link (India & USA) shared insights on child heart disease screening and referral models implemented in Kerala and other countries. Bistra Zheleva, the organization’s representative, highlighted the need for a population-based approach for managing congenital heart disease in Rajasthan and introduced the organization’s Vision 2040.

Veeralakshmi Rajshekhar, India representative, discussed the ongoing work of the organization, while Dr. Kishan Kumar and Dr. Srihari Madhavkutty Nair elaborated on the infant health landscape in Kerala and the successful CHD models adopted there.

Dr. Pradeep Chaudhary, Project Director, Child Health & RBSK, provided detailed information on the current scenario of congenital heart disease in Rajasthan and the ongoing initiatives for early detection, referral, and treatment under the National Child Health Program.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Madhu Rateshwar (Director, RCH), UNICEF, NIPI, and various development partners. Joint directors of all zones, Chief Medical & Health Officers, district RCH officers, and specialists in gynecology, pediatrics, and cardiology from medical colleges joined via video conference.