The Healers Journal: Emotional Journey to Support Children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
May 5, 2025 | Contributed by Dr Nalluri Rhazane
I am Dr. Rhazane, cardiac surgeon exclusively operating only congenital cardiac surgeries. After my training from Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences, I dedicated my career to pediatric cardiac surgery, a field I have been passionate about since childhood. Becoming a doctor was my father’s dream, and while I shared that aspiration, my heart was set on becoming a cardiac surgeon. I am the first from my family to become a doctor after which few others from my family also opted medical field with interest in their respective fields.
As a surgeon, when I entered the department of cardiothoracic surgery, everything was new to me. There was an immense amount to learn—both clinically and surgically. The duty hours were long, but I enjoyed working in ICU and OT. Gradually, I realised that congenital cardiac lesions need a better and detailed understanding of hemodynamic and that being aware of different techniques is always important to prevent dire consequences. Being a surgeon, I always prefer counselling parents about the need for surgery, possible risks of the procedure and postop care for the child. At the same time, it is equally important to assess comorbidities before surgery to avoid unforeseen complications after surgery.
Though the number of serious congenital cardiac lesions have come down to a notable proportion with the wide use of fetal echocardiography, the number is still significant with more cases in lower socioeconomic group. This is where NGOs play a crucial role in supporting children who do not qualify for government healthcare schemes. The support provided by Genesis Foundation, a children’s healthcare foundation, has been invaluable in ensuring that underprivileged children receive life-saving heart surgeries. Their assistance allows us to offer high-quality medical care to families who otherwise would not be able to afford it.
I hope more and more support can be offered to the needy families with efficient health care facilities across the nation.
Dr Nalluri Rhazane,
Consultant Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon
Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Secunderabad
