Army marks congenital heart disease awareness week in Dehradun, screens over 250 students

DEHRADUN: Indian Army's Golden Key Combat Healers observed Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness Week from Feb 8 to 14, organising a series of activities aimed at early detection and spreading awareness about congenital heart defects among children.The week-long programme commenced at Birpur Auditorium with a special interactive lecture on congenital heart disease. The session was delivered by Col Harmeet Singh Arora, paediatric cardiology specialist and commanding officer of the hospital. During the session, the importance of early diagnosis of congenital heart defects, common warning signs, and available treatment options were highlighted. Myths associated with congenital heart disease were also addressed. A quiz competition and informative displays were organised to encourage greater public engagement.A key highlight of the initiative was an extensive screening drive conducted by the paediatric cardiology team at the Military Hospital, Dehradun. More than 250 school children underwent detailed examinations, including echocardiography, at the paediatric ward. The objective was to identify any underlying congenital defects and provide timely medical advice. The hospital plans to screen at least 1,000 students in the coming days as the screening campaign continues.To further amplify awareness, a live walkathon titled “Half a Day, Double the Effort” was organised on the streets of Dehradun. A large number of pre-primary and primary school children, along with families and Army personnel, participated in the event.