At MIOT International, we believe every child deserves a rhythm to their life. Through CHIME (Children’s Heart Internationale MIOT), we turn that belief into reality. Recently, we hosted a grand reunion for our “Beat of Life” initiative, a day dedicated to honouring courageous children who once battled congenital heart disease, their resilient parents, and the selfless donors who made their recoveries possible.

Photo Caption (on Stage): Dr. Prithvi Mohandas, Managing Director, MIOT International; Mrs. Mallika Mohandas, Chairman, MIOT International; Dr. Robert Coelho, Director & Chief Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, MIOT International; Dr. Harapriya, Paediatric Cardiologist, MIOT International; and Dr. Saileela R, Paediatric Interventional Cardiologist, MIOT International, along with children who underwent surgeries and their parents.

Children who were once too delicate to be held are today dancers moving to their own beat, artists creating beauty, students chasing dreams, working professionals building careers, and some creating a family of their own. Each life tells a story far greater than survival, a story of possibility, resilience, and the extraordinary power of timely, compassionate care for children with congenital heart conditions.

The success of this event was made possible by the collective effort of everyone present, each contributing to what became a truly one-of-a-kind celebration. The donors were felicitated by the Chairman in recognition of their generosity, dedication, and unwavering support for children with congenital heart conditions.

More than a reunion, the event became a powerful platform where stories of survival were shared, spreading awareness and offering a sense of relief and encouragement to inspire hope in those who need it most.

What is Congenital Heart Disease?

Congenital heart defects are abnormalities in the heart’s chambers, valves, or blood vessels that are present from birth. They may manifest at different ages. A baby may be born with only one or several defects; some complex, severe defects are evident within a few hours or days of birth and require early intervention (surgery/procedure).

In India, about 1 in 110 babies are born with congenital heart disease, amounting to an estimated 2,00,000 children each year. About one-fifth of these cases suffer from critical heart disease requiring early intervention.

Signs to Watch For:

Early detection is the key to a cure. Consult a specialist if a child exhibits:

• Rapid breathing or feeding difficulties.
• Poor weight gain or delayed growth.
• Easy fatigability or fainting.
• Bluish discoloration of the tongue, fingers, or toes (Cyanosis).
• Recurrent respiratory infections.

What’s CHIME?

Founded in September 2007 under the mentorship of our Chairman, Mrs. Mallika Mohandas, CHIME- Childrens Heart Internationale MIOT was established with a singular, unwavering purpose: to garner medical care and financial aid for children battling congenital heart disease. It was created to ensure that every resource is dedicated solely to life-saving procedures for families who have nowhere else to turn.

In doing so, CHIME became the bridge between medical capability and social responsibility. This lifesaving treatment is made possible through the MIOT Centre for Children’s Cardiac Care, where a team of world-class paediatric cardiologists works with tireless dedication. This ensures that a child from the most remote village can receive the same world-class pediatric cardiac care as any child in the world.

Beyond the clinical intervention, CHIME is a mission of the heart. Driven by the Chairman’s personal involvement, we focus on restoring the future of every child, bringing back the smiles that belong on their faces. It is a reminder that even in the toughest circumstances, kindness and precision can prevail, transforming MIOT’s commitment into a lasting legacy of life.

How CHIME Saves Lives

1. Enables Lifesaving Heart care

CHIME is made possible by the generosity of individual donors and corporate partners, giving children with congenital heart disease a chance at life when their families cannot afford the life-saving treatment.

2. Free and Subsidised Heart Care

CHIME funds free or highly subsidised heart surgeries for children suffering from serious heart conditions such as congenital defects. The medical care is given by the MIOT Centre for Children’s Cardiac Care, a specialised unit within MIOT International equipped to handle complex cardiac cases, including those in newborns and infants.

3. Medical Camps & Screening

With the support of the government, the programme organises regular screening camps at Government District Early Intervention Centres across Tamil Nadu. These camps screen children from rural and low-income communities, identifying congenital heart disease early and referring them for care. Over 2,300 children have been screened, with more than 1,300 directly benefitting from timely, life-saving interventions.

4. Support Beyond Treatment

Aside from surgeries, CHIME helps families understand their child’s condition, provides follow‑up support, and raises awareness about heart disease so that more children can be reached before their condition becomes life‑threatening.

5. MIOT Centre for Children’s Cardiac Care

With over three decades of expertise, MIOT’s paediatric cardiac team has been a pillar of hope for families during their most fragile moments. Combining compassionate care with unmatched precision, they deliver comprehensive cardiac care ranging from correcting minor heart defects to performing complex, life-saving interventions, giving young hearts a second chance at life and the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Expert Care for Every Milestone

At the MIOT Centre for Children’s Cardiac Care, we combine advanced technology with a compassionate, world-class pediatric team. To date, we have saved more than 1,300 children from life-threatening conditions.

We don’t just treat hearts; we restore futures. By choosing early intervention, we give children the chance to go to school, play with friends, and live a life without limits.