Congenital Heart Defects in Children in India

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital anomalies worldwide and a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality. In India, CHDs present a significant public health challenge due to high birth rates, underdiagnosis, and limited access to pediatric cardiac care. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the prevalence, diagnostic capabilities, treatment access, and outcomes of CHDs in children in India, highlighting regional disparities and comparing India's situation with that of other countries. The paper also explores existing policies, healthcare infrastructure, and future directions for improving CHD outcomes in India. In India, with an annual birth rate exceeding 24 million, even a conservative CHD incidence of 8 per 1,000 live births results in approximately 180,000–200,000 new cases per year (Lal et al., 2019). Despite this high burden, India's public health infrastructure faces major challenges in early diagnosis, access to pediatric cardiac care, and long-term management.