Paediatric Cardiac treatment in India
Pediatric cardiology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating heart conditions in children, from unborn babies to adolescents. These conditions may be present at birth (congenital) or develop later due to infections, growth, or other medical issues.
India has emerged as a global destination for paediatric cardiac care, offering a combination of world-class medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and highly affordable costs. The country boasts numerous dedicated paediatric cardiac centres and specialized surgeons who perform outcomes comparable to the best centres in the world.
The field encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) (heart conditions present at birth) and Acquired Heart Diseases in children.

Indian hospitals provide the entire gamut of paediatric cardiac care:
- Fetal Cardiology: Advanced ultrasound and fetal echocardiography can diagnose heart defects in the womb, allowing for prenatal counselling and planning for delivery and care immediately after birth.
- Paediatric Cardiac Surgery (Open Heart and Closed Heart): This is the core surgical intervention for correcting structural defects.
- Open Heart Surgery: Procedures performed with the support of a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass). Examples:
- ASD/VSD/PDA Closure: Repairing holes in the heart.
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) Repair: Correcting a combination of four defects.
- Arterial Switch Operation: For Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA).
- Fontan Procedure: For single ventricle defects like Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).
- Ross Procedure: For aortic valve disease.
- Closed Heart Surgery: Procedures without using the heart-lung machine.
- Coarctation of the Aorta Repair
- Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt: A palliative procedure to increase blood flow to the lungs.
- Open Heart Surgery: Procedures performed with the support of a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass). Examples:
- Interventional Paediatric Cardiology: Minimally invasive procedures using catheters (thin tubes inserted through blood vessels).
- Device Closure: For ASD, VSD, PDA.
- Balloon Valvuloplasty: To open narrowed valves (e.g., Pulmonary Stenosis, Aortic Stenosis).
- Balloon Angioplasty & Stenting: To open narrowed arteries.
- Coil Embolization: To block abnormal blood vessels.
- Paediatric Cardiac Transplantation: Heart transplant for children with end-stage heart failure, offered at a few premier institutes.
- Non-Invasive Cardiology: Diagnosis and management through:
- Echocardiography (including Fetal Echo)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Holter Monitoring
- Cardiac MRI and CT Scans
Cost of Paediatric Cardiac Care in India
This is one of the primary reasons international patients seek treatment in India. The cost is a fraction of what it is in Western countries.
- Approximate Cost Range: ₹2,00,000 to ₹8,00,000+ (approximately $2,500 to $10,000+ USD). For complex surgeries like the Arterial Switch or Fontan procedure, costs can be higher.
- For Comparison: The same surgeries can cost between $50,000 to $200,000+ in the US and £30,000 to £100,000+ in the UK.
Factors Influencing Cost:
- Complexity of the Defect: Simple ASD/VSD closures are less expensive than complex single ventricle repairs.
- Type of Procedure: Minimally invasive interventions can sometimes be less expensive than open-heart surgery due to a shorter hospital stay.
- Age and Weight of the Child: Operating on a newborn or a low-birth-weight baby is more complex and requires more resources, potentially increasing cost.
- Duration of ICU Stay: A significant part of the cost. Complications requiring longer ICU stay increase the price.
- Implants and Devices: The cost of occluder devices (for ASD/VSD), stents, or special valves adds to the total.
- Hospital and Surgeon: Premium hospitals in metro cities with renowned surgeons will be at the higher end of the spectrum.
Why Choose India for Paediatric Cardiac Care?
- High Success Rates: Leading centres report success rates of 95-98% for even complex congenital heart surgeries, on par with global standards.
- World-Class Specialists: Indian paediatric cardiac surgeons and cardiologists are often trained at top international institutes and have vast experience due to the high volume of cases.
- Advanced Technology: Top hospitals are equipped with the latest technology, including hybrid operating suites, 3D echocardiography, and advanced ICU facilities for neonates.
- Comprehensive Care: Treatment involves a multidisciplinary team including paediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, intensivists, anaesthetists, perfusionists, and dedicated nurses.
- Affordability: As detailed above, the cost advantage is significant without compromising on quality.
- English Proficiency: Most doctors and staff in private hospitals are fluent in English, easing communication for international patients.
- Medical Tourism Support: Most major hospitals have dedicated international patient departments that handle travel, visas, accommodation, and logistics.
Leading Hospitals for Paediatric Cardiac Care in India
- Delhi NCR: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Medanta – The Medicity, Apollo Indraprastha, Max Super Speciality Hospitals.
- Mumbai: Asian Heart Institute, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children (public).
- Chennai: Apollo Children’s Hospital, MIOT International, Sri Ramachandra Institute, Fortis Malar Hospital.
- Bangalore: Narayana Health (Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences), Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Manipal Hospitals.
- Hyderabad: CARE Hospitals, KIMS Hospitals, Apollo Hospitals.
- Kolkata: Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Fortis Hospital, Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences.
- Kochi: Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS).