Date:16/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/16/stories/2008061652360300.htm

Tamil Nadu

100 schoolchildren to undergo cardiac surgery

Special Correspondent

Four lakh children were screened in the district

World Blood Donors Day observed
Collector urges public to donate blood

TIRUVANNAMALAI: Cardiac surgery is to be performed for 100 schoolchildren in Tiruvannamalai district on June 23 under the ‘Ilam Sirargal Idhaya Padhukappu Thittam’ (youth cardiac protection scheme), according to M. Rajendran, Collector of Tiruvannamalai.

Inaugurating the World Blood Donors Day celebrations at the Government District Headquarters Hospital here on Saturday, Mr. Rajendran said that blood donation was one of the best services that one can do to mankind, since it helps in saving lives. Blood is required for surgeries including the cardiac surgery for children.

He, therefore, called upon the public to donate blood liberally. Under the ‘Varumun Kappom Thittam’ (preventive health scheme), four lakh children were examined and treated in Tiruvannamalai district. Of them, 14,000 children were recommended for specialised treatment. Out of the 100 schoolchildren selected for cardiac surgery, 75 are from Tiruvannamalai Health Unit District (HUD) and 25 from Cheyyar HUD.

N. Vijayakumar, Joint Director of Medical and Rural Health Services and Family Welfare (in charge), V. Natarajan, vice-president of the Indian Red Cross Society, Tiruvannamalai District branch, M. Vijayakumar, Information and Public Relations Officer, Renuka, Superintendent, Government District Headquarters Hospital, Rajendran, Project Coordinator, Tamil Nadu Health Development Project and Rama. Amarendran, District Extension Educator spoke.