How an Indian heart saved a Pakistani teen’s life

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, April 25, 2024: A Pakistani teenager with a heart ailment got a new lease of life after she received a heart donor across the border in Delhi.

Nineteen-year-old Ayesha Rashan had been suffering from heart disease for the past decade. In 2014, she visited India where a heart pump was implanted to support her failing heart. Unfortunately, the device proved ineffective, and doctors recommended a heart transplant to save her life.

Ayesha Rashan’s family sought consultation at MGM Healthcare Hospital in Chennai from Dr KR Balakrishnan, Director of the Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant, and Dr Suresh Rao, Co-Director. The medical team advised that a heart transplant was necessary as Ayesha’s heart pump had developed a leak, and she was placed on an Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) procedure.

However, the family hesitated, citing their inability to afford the approximately Rs 35 lakh required for the transplant process.

The medical team then connected the family with the Aishwaryam Trust, which provided financial assistance.

Six months ago, Ayesha Rashan received a heart from Delhi, and the transplant surgery was performed free of cost at MGM Healthcare after her 18-month stay in the country.

Filled with hope and gratitude, Ayesha expressed her happiness and thanked the Indian government for their support, along with the doctors.

Ayesha’s mother, Sanobar, recalled that Ayesha was barely alive, with her condition deteriorating to only 10 per cent vitality when they arrived in India.

"To be frank, Pakistan has no good medical facilities when compared to India. I feel India is very friendly. When doctors in Pakistan said that there was no transplant facility available, we approached Dr KR Balakrishnan. I thank India and the doctors for the treatment," said Sanobar.

Ayesha is brimming with newfound hope and dreams of becoming a fashion designer.