Bandra’s Holy Family hospital not only gives 16-year-old boy with rare heart ailment a new lease of life, but waives all cost of surgery, too. Speaking with mid-day from his hometown in Hareni village, Dapoli, Kshitij—awaiting his SSC results from ND Gole High School—is optimistic about securing a distinction
Kshitij with his parents, Chandrasekhar and Sampada, after the surgery. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Today marks a month since 16-year-old Kshitij Velankar, an SSC student, was wheeled out of a Mumbai hospital after undergoing a life-saving surgery for two rare and life-threatening heart conditions—seen in only one in 50,000 people. Thanks to a consulting cardiologist at Holy Family Hospital in Bandra West, Kshitij was not only accurately diagnosed, but his entire surgery and hospital stay—approximately Rs 3 lakh—was provided free of cost by the hospital. When his father, an auto-rickshaw driver, and mother, a homemaker, expressed their inability to cover the approximately Rs 3 lakh treatment cost, the hospital and the cardiologist stepped in to help arrange funds.
Kshitij playing cricket with his friends
Speaking with mid-day from his hometown in Hareni village, Dapoli, Kshitij—awaiting his SSC results from ND Gole High School—is optimistic about securing a distinction. His dream is to become an engineer and support his parents financially. “I used to suddenly black out, especially when I overexerted while playing or got too excited. Within seconds, I’d return to normal. But after the surgery, I haven’t had any episodes. I feel completely fine now. I’m very thankful to Dr Yash Lokhandwala, who treated me and gave me a new life,” said Kshitij.
“After the surgery, Kshitij has started playing cricket again and even watches television,” his father, Chandrasekhar Velankar, said. “However, the doctor has advised us to closely monitor him for the first few months and ensure he stays regular with his follow-up treatments.”
A hidden danger
Although his parents—Chandrasekhar, 50, and Sampada, 42—knew he had a heart issue, they were unaware of the condition’s severity until they were referred to Dr Lokhandwala by a cardiologist in Dervan, Chiplun.
Kshitij with his family after the surgery. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
That doctor had realised the case’s complexity and advised against medicating Kshitij without further evaluation, especially at such a young age. Chandrasekhar, who earns a modest living driving an auto-rickshaw in their village, said, “We had no idea it was this serious. We’re just grateful the doctors took the case seriously and acted in time.”
Life on the line
Dr Lokhandwala, consulting cardiologist at Holy Family Hospital, diagnosed Kshitij with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and sinus bradycardia with isorhythmic AV dissociation—a rare and dangerous combination of fast and slow heart rhythms that left him at constant risk of sudden cardiac arrest. “This condition is extremely rare, seen in just one out of 50,000 people,” Dr Lokhandwala explained.
Emergency intervention
Kshitij was admitted in late March, and on March 25, doctors implanted a pacemaker to regulate his heartbeat and started him on propranolol. However, Holter ECG monitoring still showed abnormal rhythms.
A graphic explaining Kshitij’s heart condition
On March 31, renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Suresh Joshi performed a bilateral sympathectomy—a nerve-blocking surgery—to prevent future arrhythmias. The procedure was successful, and Kshitij began to recover rapidly. Kshitij was soon discharged and continues his recovery at home under local cardiologists, who remain in close contact with the Holy Family Hospital team.
Funding treatment
“Kshitij is our only child, and I had to borrow Rs 60,000 for his treatment in Mumbai. I am the sole earning member of our family of three, and on average, I earn between Rs 400 to Rs 500 per day. The auto I drive is on loan, for which I pay an EMI of Rs 3500. As of now, I am in debt of over R60,000 and have assured the lenders, including relatives, that I will repay them as and when I am able to,” Chandrasekhar said.
The pacemaker implanted in Kshitij’s chest
Meanwhile, the cost of diagnostics, the pacemaker implantation and surgery was completely borne by Holy Family Hospital while the doctor’s fees and other charges were waived off. “The hospital tries its best to help everyone in need. That’s its motto,” said Dr Lokhandwala.
Follow-up treatment
Regarding follow-up treatment, Chandrasekhar said, “The hospital is in Devran, located in Chiplun, about 100 km from our village, Hareni. I prefer to travel by my auto-rickshaw and the trip costs me around R1700, and I also lose my income for the day. Our Kshitij is doing well, and we will manage everything. I’m confident that I will repay and clear all my debts.” Dr Lokhandwala said the team from Holy Family Hospital is coordinating with local cardiologists near Kshitij’s village, where he is receiving post-operative care. “Holy Family is not charging anything for this,” he said.
Genetic report confirms fears
Dr Lokhandwala confirmed that the boy’s genetic report, which arrived on Saturday, supports the initial clinical findings of Kshitij suffering from CPVT and sinus bradycardia with isorhythmic AV dissociation.
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