"Diagnosis and timely treatment can markedly improve the chances of survival of the majority of children born with congenital heart disease, so that they can live active lives as adults," says Dr Babar Hasan, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH).

The congenital paediatric surgery unit provides internationally validated quality care in a timely and organised manner. The unit performs approximately 250 cardiac surgeries a year with almost 60 to 70 per cent of these patients receiving welfare assistance. Furthermore, approximately 90 per cent of thalassemia cardiomyopathy patients are assisted via welfare (from the Paediatric Welfare Fund and a private donor).