Nineteen-year-old Ayesha Rashan receives a new lease of life courtesy of Indian generosity
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — In a heartwarming display of cross-border goodwill, 19-year-old Ayesha Rashan from Pakistan underwent a life-saving heart transplant surgery at MGM Healthcare in Chennai, courtesy of Indian medical expertise and compassion.
The surgery was done in late January and the Pakistani teenager was discharged from the hospital on April 17.
The lifesaving surgery, deemed unaffordable for Ayesha’s family, was made possible through the intervention of Indian doctors and the financial support of the Aishwaryam Trust. With the surgery costing approximately Rs 35 lakh, the trust stepped in to alleviate the family’s financial burden, ensuring that Ayesha could receive the necessary medical treatment free of charge.
The Aishwaryam Trust is dedicated to uplifting marginalised communities, fostering social and economic dignity for every individual. Its mission is to ensure every person, regardless of background, has access to essential healthcare, education, and support services.
Expressing her gratitude and newfound hope, Ayesha conveyed her appreciation to the doctors and the Indian government for their invaluable assistance. Her mother, Sanobar, reflected on the dire situation they faced before seeking medical help in India, emphasising the stark contrast between the medical facilities available in India and Pakistan. Sanobar expressed profound gratitude towards India and the medical professionals who extended a lifeline to her daughter in her time of need.
Ayesha’s journey towards recovery began in 2014 when she first sought medical attention in India under the guidance of Dr. K.R. Balakrishnan and his team. Initially fitted with a pacemaker, Ayesha’s condition worsened earlier this year, prompting her family to seek further treatment in India. Upon consultation with Dr. Balakrishnan at MGM Healthcare in Chennai, it was determined that a heart transplant was necessary for Ayesha’s survival.
Dr. Balakrishnan, along with his co-director Dr. Suresh Rao, oversaw Ayesha’s successful heart transplant, securing a heart from a Delhi donor. Describing Ayesha as a daughter figure, Dr. Balakrishnan expressed his joy at witnessing her recovery and shared her aspirations of returning to Pakistan to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer.
Ayesha’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of medical innovation and international cooperation in saving lives and fostering goodwill across borders. As she prepares to return home to Pakistan with renewed hope and dreams, her story stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others facing similar medical challenges.
