Indian Heart Saves Pakistani Girl: Born in Chennai, Now Thriving in Pakistan at MGM Healthcare

Ayesha Rashan, aged 19, underwent a life-saving heart transplant in a remarkable story that highlights the humanitarian efforts of Chennai-based Aishwaryan Trust and the city’s doctors. The trust and hospital performed the procedure free of cost, making it financially accessible for Ayesha’s family.

Following the successful surgery, Ayesha expressed her gratitude towards the doctors, hospital, and medical trust, as her condition stabilized, enabling her to return to Pakistan. Ayesha was admitted with severe heart dysfunction and required ECMO, a form of life support for individuals with life-threatening heart or lung conditions.

Subsequently, a leak in her heart pump necessitated a full heart transplant, a procedure that can cost over Rs 35 lakh. However, in Ayesha’s case, the doctors and trust covered the expenses, allowing her to undergo the surgery without financial burden.

The donor heart for Ayesha’s transplant came from Delhi, and Dr. KR Balakrishnan and Dr. Suresh Rao underlined Chennai’s reputation as a leader in organ donation and transplant surgeries. They emphasized the value of every life and highlighted Tamil Nadu’s proactive initiatives to encourage organ donation and transplants.

The doctors also urged the government to consider a better policy to address the high cost of transplant surgery, which often leads to viable donated organs being discarded due to financial constraints. Overall, Ayesha’s story demonstrates the critical role of medical trusts and proactive initiatives in making life-saving treatments accessible to those in need, and highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing the cost barriers associated with transplant surgeries.