Chennai: A team of doctors led by Dr K. R. Balakrishnan, director, cardiac sciences, Fortis Malar Hospital in the city, travelled to Palestine on a surgical mission to treat children affected by various cardiac related ailments at Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah recently. A total of 50 children with complicated cardiac problems were screened.
Out of the total 50 pediatric cases screened, eight children were diagnosed with complicated cardiac problems. The team of doctors also performed a critical surgery on a two-year-old who was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot. Another one was year-old, suffering from ventricular septal defect, a heart defect due to abnormal connection between cardiac chambers. Both these procedures were done for the first time in Palestine.
Children screened at the mission could be completely treated since their defect was detected early so that they can lead a completely normal life. The team of doctors also trained the local surgeons to follow up on the treatment of these patients and to perform similar surgeries.
Dr K. R. Balakrishnan said that the doctors were able to treat children affected by Congenital Heart Defects and the mission was aimed to help these children recover in the best possible way. The mission was a truly gratifying experience as we were able to treat so many children. We are thankful to the Government of Palestine and Palestine Children Relief Fund for providing us with this opportunity to come and treat children here, he added.
