20th annual conference of PCSI begins

Three-day 20th annual conference of Pediatric Cardiac Society of India (PCSI) has begun at Sri Sathya Sai Sowbhagyam- Centre for Human Development, Nava Raipur, Atal Nagar on Friday.

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the latest epidemic in India with the country accounting for 46 per cent of the global CHD population, stated the PCSI in its 20th annual conference. India is the world capital of the CHD with an estimated 25 million children, adolescents, and adults with untreated Congenital Heart Disease in India, according to data released by the Ministry of Health.

Addressing the conference, Dr Hisashi Nikaidoh from the United States of America (USA), described as ‘The Great Samurai’ and considered a doyen of pediatric cardiac surgery said, “It is a God-given opportunity to serve society. We should not shy away from challenges. Excellence should be our pursuit. We all stay curious, turn our gaze and provide special emphasis to this aspect of cardiology which is the turning to be one of the biggest afflicters of today’s children”.

Dr Snehal Kulkarni, Chairman, PCSI and Dr Rajesh Sharma, Chairman, Scientific Committee felicitated Dr Nikaidoh.

The Judges selected Dr Arvind Balaji of AIIMS, New Delhi, for Dr K M Cherian Young Investigator Award.

Established in the year 1999, the PCSI is India’s Premier Body representing the entire spectrum of Pediatric Cardiac Care Givers. This annual conference of surgeons, health professionals and paramedics is being held at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani

Centre for International Cardiac Care in Raipur. The special focus for this year is on humanitarian models of healthcare with an emphasis on developing and sustaining pediatric cardiac programmes in lower and middle-income countries.

The conference is a first-of-its-kind one aiming to bridge the divide between the known and emerging pediatric cardiac care centers in new geographies. Papers and talks are being presented on pediatric cardiology, pediatric cardiac surgery, pediatric cardiac anesthesia, pediatric cardiac intensive care, perfusion technology and pediatric cardiac nursing.

Over 25 international experts and 200 officials from State Governments, representatives from the National Rural Health Mission, surgeons, and paramedics from the pediatric cardiac fraternity are participating in the conference.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel will be the chief guest at the conference on Saturday. The conference will conclude on Sunday. It may be mentioned that Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Group of Hospitals currently provides pediatric Cardiac Care to children suffering from the CHD, in three of its exclusive pediatric cardiac care hospitals in Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Maharashtra.