He said, "Out of 12 children to be operated by Dr Mankad, seven have been given the discount while five will pay full amount of surgery. However, it is Chandigarh administration which has come forward for paying for the seven children. DR Mankad will not charge his fee for the surgery." He further said that patients had to go to Delhi. This is very expensive and inconvenient. The cost for such surgeries is about Re 2.5 lakh in private hospitals.

Dr Samra said, "The children from poor and middle-income groups end up succumbing to the ailment. Over the past three years, Grecian Hospital has carried out 74 surgeries on children with heart defects. All those who wish to get their children treated by him should approach Grecian Hospital at 098146 10390/ 0 98550 70390. Depending on complexity of the case and financial situation of patient, discounts can be offered as well."

Signs and symptoms

Parents should be aware of signs and symptoms such as baby not feeding well, getting tired or sweating while feeding because of the extra efforts needed to eat, having repeated chest infections, unexplained fever, not putting on enough weight or not growing properly. Those children with mixing of blood appear dark or blue depending on skin pigmentation. This gives blue or purple hue to the skin. In some children, a buzzing sound is felt when hand is placed on the chest.

In 90% of children, a pediatrician is able to hear a murmur (abnormal heart sound) while examining the child with a stethoscope. An echocardiogram or ECG is done to help diagnose the defect.