Understanding Congenital Heart Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

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Congenital heart defects refer to defects in the heart that children are born with. These are one of the most common congenital defects globally. In India too, 200,000+ children are born with a congenital heart defect (CHD). These are the numbers of the cases that are recorded – there maybe many more which go undiagnosed and hence untreated. Only 25 per cent of the children diagnosed with a congenital heart defect are able to get the required treatment. A lack of awareness and access to resources are the biggest challenges in children getting timely treatment. Organisations like Genesis Foundation, a congenital heart foundation India has been taking steps to both build awareness and provide financial treatment to those who cannot afford the cost of treatment. The treatment for CHD is expensive and families that do not earn enough to meet their daily needs have to depend on funds they receive as a congenital heart disease donation to support the treatment. Symptoms of Congenital Heart
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How corporate donations to charity are saving lives?

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In a world, where people are partitioned by their economic status and their position in the societal hierarchy, change makers have transformed nonprofits into the flag bearers of philanthropy. Despite doing so much for the society, many of us aren't willing to make donations to these NGOs to help them amplify their flow of funds. Hence, it is critical for organisations to step up corporate donations to nonprofits.  

India was the first nation to mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for companies legally. Due to this, corporate donations to nonprofits act as an aid in tackling problems at scale.

Providing for a nonprofit does not only benefit the NGO but also the provider. Since 2014, when the revolutionary government decision regarding CSR was made, corporate donations have seen a surge in number. When the world was recovering from the pandemic, it was corporate donations that made a colossal impact in the sphere of nonprofits.

India is a country with more than three million non-profits, hence, it is clear that there is a lot of need to provide for people. Regardless of their economic status, individuals are taking the initiative to do good for their community and their country. These initiatives not only rectify the prejudices corresponding to our nation but also help change lives.

At present, India has a population of 1.3 billion people. Despite being on the world stage, the nation barely spends 1.5% of its GDP on its healthcare infrastructure, which is amongst the lowest in the world. Hence, the need for establishing NGOs dedicated to healthcare and CSR donations to these non-profits has become of the utmost importance.

The Importance of Corporate Donations

It is important to understand the ways in which corporate donations to nonprofits can help save lives. Corporates are well-established institutions which have ample funds, dedicated manpower and a common vision. Donations made to educational initiatives, scholarships, and schools, especially in underserved communities, opens doors for quality education, and equips individuals with skills and knowledge that can lead to better opportunities and improved quality of life.

Thus, corporate donations contribute to positive and lasting change that directly impacts the survival and quality of life for countless people around the world. Providing financial assistance is one of the foremost functions of CSR donors. Many corporate houses donate significant amounts of money to medical research institutions, hospitals and healthcare organisations. This funding helps further advance the medical research and development in terms of innovative treatments and discover cures for various diseases. These donations are also used to provide food, clean water, shelter, and medical supplies to those in need, helping to save lives during times of crisis, such as famine, conflict, and displacement.

After occupying the economic landscape by their profit-making motives, corporates in India are now stepping up to change this narrative. Instead of portraying themselves as ‘money-making slot machines’, they are now trying to do ‘good’ for the world their consumers live in.

Corporate donations to environmental causes are now significantly saving lives by preserving ecosystems, reducing pollution, and mitigating the effects of climate change. A healthier environment leads to improved air and water quality, which in turn has positive effects on public health.

Since CSR was mandated by the Indian Government, a wave of positive change has swept across the non-profit’s landscape in the country. Now, many other NGOs other than just the renowned ones are being acknowledged for their work.

One such NGO is Genesis Foundation. It has been helping children who are diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect. They provide financial resources for heart treatment for underprivileged children within the age group of 0-18 years and from families with a monthly income that does not exceed Rs 20,000.

In conclusion, instead of viewing CSR as a moral obligation, we should see the impact it has created in such a short period of time. It has created a long lasting sustainable change by impacting multiple facets of development indicators, especially healthcare. Note that this is the impact made in India. Now, imagine what changes it could bring if this was mandated in all countries across the world. 

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