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.