But treating poverty works like medicine as HCFI announces fund for poor heart patients
Catering to the needs of the poor, the Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) recently came out with an initiative called the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund, which will ensure that no person dies of a heart disease just because they cannot afford treatment. Any person irrespective of gender, religion or age can apply for the benefits of the fund by calling its helpline number 9958771177.
Research indicates that over 24 lakh people in India die due to heart disease every year and over 1.2 lakh children are born with a congenital heart defect. In Mumbai alone, 10 per cent to 14 per cent people above the age of 30 years suffer from heart disease. Several of the heart conditions are curable and death is preventable. However, not everyone can afford the treatment and hospital costs. Thus, this foundation fund is an attempt to bridge this disparity and provide individuals the ability to live a healthy and disease-free life.
The initiative was supported by well-known people like motivational guru and author Dr Deepak Chopra, vice president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Dr KK Aggarwal, chairman of Medanta Medicity Dr Naresh Trehan and chairman National Heart Institute Dr OP Yadava.
Speaking about the reversal of heart disease, Dr Chopra said, “Heart disease is becoming a global problem and its implications in a country like India where majority of the people cannot afford treatment, is huge. While preventive healthcare and what we call globally the concept of the reversal of disease is essential, often people become victims of the disease for no fault of theirs.”
An expert committee assesses all applications received by the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund. Once sanctioned, the funds are directly deposited in the bank account of the medical establishments treating the patient. Heart Care Foundation of India provides surgery in association with leading hospitals such as Medanta and National Heart Institute for surgical treatments and also provides lodging facilities at concessional rates for outstation patients.