Dr. Nilesh Purkar (Heart Surgeon)
I worked as a heart surgeon at KEM and Sion hospitals in Mumbai for six years, where I had the privilege of learning under some of the world’s best surgeons. I was offered lucrative opportunities from large corporate hospitals, but something in my heart felt restless. With the thought of doing something for the needy people of rural Maharashtra, I returned to Nashik. For the past 8 years, I have been working here to establish a heart surgery department. I have treated around 3,000 hearts, with 98% of the surgeries being successful.
One Heart That Left a Mark on My Mind…
One day, I was performing surgery on a 6-year-old child. He was born with a hole in his heart. The treatment was possible, but his parents couldn’t afford it. “Doctor, please do anything, but save my child’s heart…” The plea was clear in their eyes. In their tears, I saw a glimmer of hope, but the harsh truth was that the treatment would require funding.
I offered as many discounts as possible, and my colleagues extended their support. We worked tirelessly, and the surgery was successful. That little boy came out of anesthesia and smiled faintly. At that moment, I felt – this is the true essence of being a doctor!
But it didn’t always happen this way. Some patients simply couldn’t afford the treatment, and the pain of not being able to save them was unbearable. “Something needs to change… a poor person’s heart shouldn’t stop because of money!” And that’s how the Dil Dosti Foundation was born.
110 Beating Hearts!
Through this foundation, we have performed free heart surgeries on 110 underprivileged patients. Each heart we saved – whether a baby, a young mother, or an elderly father – has brought us immense satisfaction. But there are still many more people waiting for help.
Now, A Battle for Newborns’ Hearts…
We are now preparing to perform heart surgeries for newborns (neonatal heart surgeries). These are the most complex surgeries, requiring special equipment like ventilators, monitors, and incubators. The cost of setting up such facilities runs into crores of rupees, and for this, we need your support.
“Grandmother’s Laddu” – A Nutrition Program for Rural Children
Treatment alone is not enough; nutrition is just as important. Children in rural areas often lack proper nutrition, which affects their growth and health. Hence, Dil Dosti Foundation is running the “Grandmother’s Laddu” initiative. Through this program, rural children will receive protein-rich food to ensure their bodies stay healthy.
With Your Help, Many Hearts Will Keep Beating!
Your contribution is crucial to our mission. Even a small donation can give a newborn a new life. By donating to Dil Dosti Foundation, you can be a part of this noble cause.