NIMS Hyderabad Performs Free Complex Heart Surgeries for Children

The Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad has successfully completed a series of 19 complex paediatric cardiac surgeries at no cost to the patients. The procedures, which were performed during a week-long medical camp that concluded on September 12, 2026, targeted children ranging in age from two months to 13 years. In the private healthcare sector, these specialized interventions typically command fees between ₹5 lakh and ₹20 lakh, placing a significant financial burden on families. By providing these services on a cashless basis, the institute has addressed a critical gap in access to high-end cardiac care for underprivileged paediatric patients.

The initiative was executed through a strategic collaboration between the NIMS Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and the international medical organization Healing Little Hearts. This partnership allowed for the integration of specialized surgical expertise with the existing infrastructure at NIMS. The surgical team was led by Dr. Ramana Dhannapuneni, a paediatric cardiac surgeon based in the United Kingdom, who worked alongside the NIMS team headed by M. Amaresh Rao, the Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery. The successful completion of these 19 procedures marks the fifth time the institute has hosted such a specialized cardiac surgery camp, demonstrating a recurring commitment to addressing severe congenital and acquired heart conditions in children.

The success of the recent cardiac camp relied on a structured collaboration between local medical professionals and international specialists. By leveraging the expertise of the Healing Little Hearts team, NIMS was able to perform complex procedures that require highly specialized training and equipment. This model of cooperation is designed to bridge the gap between the high cost of private cardiac care and the limited availability of such specialized services in the public sector. The involvement of international surgeons like Dr. Ramana Dhannapuneni provided the necessary technical support to handle the complex cases presented during the week-long event.

For the NIMS team, led by M. Amaresh Rao, the camp served as both a service delivery mechanism and an opportunity for professional exchange. The integration of external specialists into the hospital's existing cardiothoracic department allowed for the efficient management of 19 surgeries within a compressed timeframe. This collaborative approach ensures that the institute can maintain high standards of care while managing the logistical demands of performing multiple complex operations in a single week. The partnership model is increasingly viewed as a viable strategy for public hospitals to expand their surgical capacity without requiring immediate, large-scale capital investment in new permanent staff.

One of the most significant aspects of the NIMS initiative is the removal of the prohibitive costs associated with paediatric heart surgery. In the private medical market, the financial requirement for such procedures can reach up to ₹20 lakh, a figure that is often insurmountable for low-income families. By offering these surgeries free of charge, NIMS has effectively bypassed the economic barriers that typically restrict access to life-saving cardiac interventions. This approach aligns with the broader public health objective of ensuring that specialized medical care is not dictated by a family's ability to pay.

The financial relief provided to these families is substantial, as the cost of a single surgery can represent several years of income for many households. By absorbing these costs, NIMS and its partners are providing a form of direct social support that extends beyond clinical outcomes. The decision to focus on children aged two months to 13 years highlights the critical nature of these interventions, as early treatment for congenital heart defects is essential for long-term health and development. The success of this camp underscores the potential for public-private and international collaborations to mitigate the impact of high medical costs on vulnerable populations.

The 19 surgeries performed during the camp covered a range of complex cardiac conditions, reflecting the diverse needs of the paediatric patient population. The age range of the patients, from infants as young as two months to adolescents of 13 years, indicates the breadth of the surgical team's capability. Treating such a wide age demographic requires specialized equipment and post-operative care protocols tailored to the physiological differences between infants and older children. The ability to manage these cases successfully within a week-long camp environment speaks to the readiness and coordination of the NIMS surgical and nursing staff.

Each of the 19 cases involved complex cardiac issues that necessitated precise surgical intervention. The successful outcomes of these procedures are a testament to the technical proficiency of the combined surgical teams. Beyond the immediate surgical success, the camp also provided an opportunity for the NIMS staff to refine their techniques in paediatric cardiac care. The focus on complex cases ensures that the institute remains at the forefront of cardiac surgery in the region, providing a high level of care that is often only available in top-tier private facilities. The data gathered from these 19 cases will likely inform future surgical planning and resource allocation for the department.

The fifth paediatric cardiac surgery camp at NIMS represents a milestone in the institute's ongoing efforts to provide specialized care. The consistent hosting of these camps suggests that NIMS has established a sustainable framework for managing such high-intensity medical events. The presence of institutional leadership, including NIMS Director Rahul Devraj and representatives from the Nizam's family, at the concluding press conference highlights the importance placed on this initiative by the hospital administration and local stakeholders. This level of institutional support is crucial for the continued success and expansion of the program.

Looking ahead, the success of this camp provides a clear template for future initiatives. The focus will likely remain on maintaining the quality of care while potentially increasing the volume of surgeries in subsequent camps. The collaboration with Healing Little Hearts has proven effective, and the model could be replicated or expanded to include other specialized medical areas. The primary challenge for the institute will be to balance the high demand for these free services with the available resources and staff capacity. As the program continues, the focus will remain on ensuring that the most vulnerable children receive timely and effective cardiac treatment.