Date:27/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/27/stories/2008072750530200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

What they suffer from

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Eight-year-old Gaurav has a hole in his heart. A surgery will cost Rs. 1.25 lakh. Nine-year-old Neethu too has a hole in her heart. A surgery to undergo VSD closure costs Rs. 1.65 lakh.

Ten-year-old Vrundha recently had a liver transplant. The family needs at least Rs. 1.9 lakh for post-operative medicines.

Four-year-old Abila has a life-threatening complication as a result of scoliosis (twisted spine). She now has to undergo a critical implant of a steel rod in her spine at a cost of approximately Rs. 2 lakh.