‘Dil hai Hindustani’: This is how Indian heart transforms Pakistani teen’s life in Chennai

‘Dil hai Hindustani’: In a heartwarming tale of cross-border compassion, 19-year-old Pakistani woman from Pakistan’s Karachi battling a severe heart ailment found a lifeline across the border in Delhi and the benevolence of Chennai’s MGM Healthcare. 

Nineteen-year-old Ayesha Rashan had endured a decade-long struggle with heart disease. Her quest for treatment led her to India in 2014, where she underwent a heart pump implantation to support her failing heart. However, this intervention proved insufficient over time, necessitating a heart transplant to secure her survival.

The Rashan family sought expert consultation at Chennai’s MGM Healthcare Hospital, consulting with renowned specialists Dr. KR Balakrishnan, Director of the Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant, and Dr. Suresh Rao, Co-Director. 

Their assessment revealed the urgent need for a heart transplant, given Ayesha’s deteriorating condition. Despite the critical need for the transplant, the family faced financial constraints, unable to meet the substantial costs amounting to approximately Rs 35 lakh.

Six months ago, a ray of hope emerged for Ayesha when she received a heart from Delhi. What makes this story truly remarkable is the altruistic gesture extended by the surgeons and the hospital. The entire procedure, including the transplant surgery, was conducted free of charge, thanks to the generous support of the city-based Aishwaryan Trust. This act of kindness not only alleviated the financial burden on Ayesha’s family but also reaffirmed the power of compassion across borders. 

“I feel good after the transplant,” Ms Rashan said as her mother thanked the doctors, the hospital, and the medical trust. 

Recalling the moment when Ayesha was left with only, 10 percent vitality, Ayesha’s mother, Sanobar says, “To be frank, Pakistan has no good medical facilities when compared to India. I feel India is very friendly. When doctors in Pakistan said that there was no transplant facility available, we approached Dr KR Balakrishnan. I thank India and the doctors for the treatment”

Ayesha now looks ahead with aspirations of pursuing a career in fashion design, empowered by the newfound lease on life afforded to her through the transformative heart transplant.