Introduction
The healthcare landscape in Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant leap forward with the inauguration of the SGPGI Saloni Heart Foundation Centre, the state’s first paediatric heart facility. This much-needed development, which addresses the urgent healthcare needs of newborns with congenital heart diseases, was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Mrinalini Seth, founder and president of the California-based Saloni Heart Foundation USA.
With this centre, Uttar Pradesh is set to provide specialized care to newborns, offering timely intervention and comprehensive treatment, which is crucial for infants facing life-threatening heart conditions. This blog will explore the importance of this new facility, its capabilities, and the positive impact it will have on the healthcare system for children in Uttar Pradesh.
The Growing Challenge of Congenital Heart Diseases in Uttar Pradesh
Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are a major healthcare challenge in Uttar Pradesh. Over 75,000 newborns in the state are at risk of being born with congenital heart defects each year. Across India, nearly 2.4 lakh babies are born with CHD annually, with approximately 48,000 of these children requiring surgical intervention to survive. Uttar Pradesh alone accounts for around 9,000 of these cases, making the need for specialized paediatric cardiac care critical.
Before the establishment of this centre, children in Uttar Pradesh had to wait for treatment due to the limited availability of specialized paediatric heart facilities in India. The country had only 10 paediatric cardiac centres, performing about 15,000 procedures annually—far from sufficient to meet the needs of all affected infants. This healthcare gap has had severe consequences, with 68% of children with congenital heart diseases either dying while waiting for surgery or facing complications due to delays.
SGPGI Saloni Heart Foundation Centre: A Lifeline for Newborns
The SGPGI Saloni Heart Foundation Centre in Lucknow marks a turning point for paediatric cardiac care in Uttar Pradesh. With its state-of-the-art facilities, the centre is now fully operational with 30 beds and a dedicated intensive care unit, ensuring that newborns receive the critical care they need without delay. Equipped with advanced medical technology and specialized staff, the centre aims to reduce the waiting time for surgeries and provide timely, life-saving interventions for infants born with congenital heart defects.
The centre’s comprehensive care model includes not only surgical interventions but also pre-operative and post-operative care, ensuring that children receive continuous and holistic treatment. This approach is designed to improve survival rates and overall outcomes for newborns, offering hope to families who have long struggled with limited access to specialized care.

The Impact of Specialized Paediatric Cardiac Care
In comparison to other parts of the world, India’s survival rates for children with congenital heart diseases have been significantly lower due to the lack of resources and specialized centres. For instance, in the United States, 97% of children with CHD survive due to timely and effective surgical interventions. The opening of the SGPGI Saloni Heart Foundation Centre is an essential step toward bridging this gap in healthcare and improving survival rates for children in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
By providing a specialized paediatric heart facility, the centre is not only addressing the immediate needs of infants with CHD but also contributing to the long-term improvement of healthcare infrastructure in India. It serves as a model for other states and regions, demonstrating the importance of establishing dedicated facilities for the treatment of congenital heart diseases.
A Beacon of Hope for Uttar Pradesh’s Youngest Citizens
The SGPGI Saloni Heart Foundation Centre is more than just a healthcare facility; it is a beacon of hope for the families of Uttar Pradesh. By offering life-saving interventions and comprehensive care, the centre is paving the way for a healthier future for the state’s youngest citizens. This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between local authorities and international organizations, demonstrating the power of partnerships in improving healthcare outcomes.
As the centre begins its journey, it is poised to make a significant impact on the healthcare system in Uttar Pradesh, offering countless families the chance to receive the critical care they need close to home. The SGPGI Saloni Heart Foundation Centre is not just a facility; it is a symbol of progress and a promise of better healthcare for the future.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the SGPGI Saloni Heart Foundation Centre is a milestone in paediatric healthcare in Uttar Pradesh. By providing specialized care for congenital heart diseases, the centre is set to transform the lives of thousands of newborns and their families. With its comprehensive care model and state-of-the-art facilities, the centre is bridging the healthcare gap and offering hope to those in need.
This development emphasizes the importance of continued investment in specialized healthcare facilities across India, ensuring that every child has access to the life-saving treatments they deserve. The SGPGI Saloni Heart Foundation Centre stands as an inspiring example of how healthcare innovation can create a brighter, healthier future for all.
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