Jammu, Jun 08 (KNO): In a significant achievement for healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir, the Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) at Government Medical College Jammu is successfully performing complex paediatric cardiac surgeries for children born with congenital heart defects, offering advanced treatment free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, reducing the need for families to travel outside the Union Territory.
According to hospital officials, children ranging in age from one year to 18 years from various districts have undergone successful surgeries at the institution. Conditions treated include Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), Coarctation of Aorta, Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and complex disorders such as Tetralogy of Fallot.
Dr Shyam Singh, Head of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said operating on children requires exceptional precision. "The heart tissues of these children are extremely delicate and require meticulous suturing. Their blood volume is very low, which demands careful attention while managing the heart-lung machine. Every step requires precision and teamwork."
Dr Puja Vimesh, Head of the Department of Cardiac Thoracic Anaesthesiology, highlighted the critical role of anaesthesia and post-operative care. "Administering anaesthesia to a child undergoing open-heart surgery is among the most demanding responsibilities. Successful recovery reflects close coordination between anaesthesia, surgical, and perfusion teams," she said.
One notable recent case involved a seven-year-old child from Poonch suffering from severe breathlessness, recurrent chest infections, and symptoms of heart failure. Doctors diagnosed a large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). After careful pre-operative stabilisation, the child underwent open-heart surgery on May 18, 2026, with the defect successfully repaired using a surgical patch under cardiopulmonary bypass. The child made a smooth recovery and was discharged in stable condition.
Apart from conventional open-heart procedures, the department has adopted minimally invasive surgical techniques, performing selected operations through small incisions on the right side of the chest, reducing surgical trauma and enhancing cosmetic outcomes.
Medical experts said many children were previously brought to hospitals at advanced stages due to financial limitations. The Ayushman Bharat Scheme has significantly improved access to timely and affordable treatment. Hospital authorities credited the success to the collective efforts of multiple departments, including CVTS, Cardiac Anaesthesia, Perfusion Services, and Critical Care Nursing, along with support from Medical Superintendent Dr Rehana Khurshid.
According to health experts, the successful treatment of complex cases marks a major milestone in strengthening specialised healthcare services within Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that children with congenital heart diseases receive timely intervention for healthier and more productive lives—(KNO)