2.5-cr project for cardiac patients

Kochi, Sep 23 (UNI) The Heart Care Foundation will launcn a Rs 2.5-crore project to provide treatment to 1000 cardiac patients in Kerala, to mark the 'World Heart Day' tomorrow.

Addressing mediapersons here yesterday, foundation Chairman Joce Chacko said the project would focus on those patients, who cannot afford proper treatment for heart problems.

He said the number of patients dying without proper treatment was on the rise, as around 60 per cent of the cardiac patients in the state faced financial constraints to meet the health bills.

Dr Jose said around 3000 heart-related surgeries were performed in the state and 40 per cent of them were done in government and semi-government hospitals.

As part of the programme, the foundation had already given financial help to 20 patients undergoing treatment at various medical colleges in the state.

The foundation would open a students' wing to spread awareness of heartcare among the youngsters, he added.

The foundation would honour renowed cardiac surgeon Dr P K R Warrier with the life-time achievement award, Dr Jose said.

UNI MA ROY SI BS0914