Health Dept acts as ‘Angel’ for little Savi; free heart surgery grants new lease of life under RBSK
Ferozepur, January 29, 2026: In a significant achievement for public healthcare, the Punjab Health Department has emerged as a saviour for a nine-month-old girl, Savi, by facilitating a life-saving heart surgery free of cost. The intervention was made possible under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) scheme, providing a new lease of life to the infant and immense relief to her family residing in Gwal Mandi, Ferozepur Cantt.
The case came to light during a routine health screening at a local Anganwadi center conducted by the RBSK Ferozepur Urban health team, comprising Dr. Lalit and Dr. Manmeet Kaur. Upon diagnosing a congenital heart defect (a hole in the heart), the medical team immediately escalated the matter to senior health officials. Recognizing the urgency and gravity of the condition, the department coordinated a successful surgical procedure at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, ensuring the family did not bear any financial burden for the expensive treatment.
Dr. Rajeev Parashar, Civil Surgeon shared during a follow-up visit that Savi, now fifteen months old, is recovering exceptionally well and leading a healthy life. He emphasized that the entire cost of the surgery was covered by the government under the RBSK scheme. The child’s parents, Dipesh and Gurmeet Kaur, expressed their profound gratitude, stating that the high cost of private treatment was beyond their financial means and this government initiative has been a true blessing for their family.
District health officials, including District Mass Media Officer Sanjeev Sharma and RBSK Nodal Officer Dr. Harpreet Kaur, highlighted that the scheme provides free treatment for 31 different diseases—including heart ailments and birth defects—for children aged 0 to 18 years. To ensure high-quality care, the state has empanelled nine premier government and private hospitals for such critical surgeries. The success of Savi’s surgery stands as a testament to the department's commitment to accessible healthcare for all.