Saturday night turned into a high-alert emergency for the District Health Department to save the life of newborn daughter of a soldier posted on the international border. Despite being a public holiday, District Health Office remained operational from 8 PM to 11 PM to save the life of a one-month-old baby girl suffering from a congenital heart defect. The case involved baby Aaradhya, daughter of Rahul Kushwaha, a soldier currently stationed at the Srinagar border. Aaradhya, a resident of Adhartal, suddenly fell critically ill on Saturday afternoon, with her body turning blue. Immediate medical tests revealed a hole in her heart and doctors recommended urgent treatment in Mumbai, as local facilities were inadequate.

 

Learning about the situation, Aaradhya’s mother and grandfather rushed to DEIC (District Early Intervention Center) office, which was closed post 5 PM. They contacted District Program Manager Subhash Shukla, who immediately returned to the office. Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Sanjay Mishra also reached the office. Within hours, the health department staff was assembled and completed all documentation under the National Child Health Program (RBSK), arranged railway tickets, and coordinated with Mumbai’s Narayana Hospital. The baby's treatment will be fully covered under the Chief Minister Bal Hriday Yojana. CMHO Dr. Mishra informed that the scheme provides free treatment for children up to 18 years with birth defects like heart issues, cleft lip or visual impairments.