Congenital Heart Disease: Would It Be the Key Driver of Infant Survival During Amrit Kaal (2022-2047)?

Post-independence, we made significant strides in childhood survival. However, there is an abysmal improvement in survival due to birth defects. Globally, India contributes the largest proportion of under-5 deaths, overall as well as due to birth defects. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the single most common cause of birth-defect related deaths, and is the 7th most common cause of infant deaths. Scarcity of pediatric cardiac care professionals and pediatric cardiac centers has led to a huge demand-supply gap. Understanding the burden of CHD and taking imperative steps at primary, secondary and tertiary levels are essential during Amrit Kaal (2022-2047). Coverage of management of CHD under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, Rashtriya Bal Suraksha Karyakram and Ayushman Bharat programs offers a huge promise, as shown by the experience from Hridayam program in Kerala.