Kochi : Hospitals in Kerala maintain world-class standards comparable to those in developed countries, said Chittilappilly Foundation Chairman Kochouseph Chittilappilly. He was speaking after inaugurating *Hrudayasangamam*, jointly organised by the Heart Care Foundation and Lisie Hospital as part of World Heart Day observances.
Expert doctors and dedicated nurses are the strength of Kerala’s healthcare sector, he said. There is no need for people to be apprehensive about organ donation or undergoing surgeries. Sharing his own experiences, Chittilappilly said he had donated a kidney 15 years ago and had recently undergone open-heart valve surgery at Lisie Hospital, where he received excellent care.
“Happiness is the foundation of heart health,” said Heart Care Foundation Chairman Padma Bhushan Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram, who presided over the inaugural function.
“We should learn to face life with a smile, regardless of the challenges we encounter,” he said. For those who undergo complex heart surgeries, the love and support of family members are invaluable in helping them regain confidence and return to a normal rhythm of life.
He also highlighted the inspiring achievement of Dinoy, a native of Kalamassery who underwent a heart transplant 13 years ago. Despite the challenges he faced, Dinoy recently participated in the World Transplant Games in Australia and secured fourth place. Dr. Periappuram described the achievement as a matter of great pride and inspiration for everyone.
At the function, Kochouseph Chittilappilly presented this year’s Heart Care Foundation Vocational Excellence Award to Dr. Thomas Koshi, a cardiothoracic anaesthesia specialist and former Senior Grade Professor at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology.
Dr. Thomas Koshi is regarded as one of the country’s accomplished anaesthesiologists with expertise in echocardiography. The award carries a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a citation.
Lisie Hospital Director Fr. Dr. Paul Karedan was the guest of honour. Dr. Jo Joseph, Senior Consultant at Lisie Heart Institute and Trustee of the Heart Care Foundation; Dr. Jacob Abraham, Trustee of the Heart Care Foundation; Dr. John T. John, President of Rotary Club of Cochin Global; and Limi Rose Tom, CEO of the Heart Care Foundation, also attended the event.
As part of Hrudayasangamam, which brought together heart surgery survivors and their family members, an awareness session and a medical panel discussion featuring leading experts were also organised.
