Heart Screening Program for School Children

The Heart Screening Program for School Children was implemented by the Nepal Heart Foundation (NHF) with the support of the Rotary Club of Patan under the Rotary District 3292 District Grant. The program aimed to promote early detection of childhood heart disease, particularly Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), and to ensure that children requiring further medical attention were identified and referred for appropriate treatment.

The project was implemented through two major school-based screening activities in Siraha and Lalitpur districts. The first program was conducted in Siraha on 7 May 2026, covering two schools, where 3,294 students were screened. The second program was conducted in Lalitpur on 15 July 2026, covering three schools in Pulchowk, Bhaisipati and Bungamati, where 3,122 students were screened. Altogether, the project reached 6,416 school children across five schools.

Initial cardiac screening was carried out through clinical examination and auscultation by cardiologists and physicians. Children showing suspected cardiac abnormalities were referred for further examination using portable echocardiography. In total, 169 children underwent echocardiographic examination, comprising 80 children in Siraha and 89 children in Lalitpur.

The screening identified 19 children with previously undiagnosed heart disease, including:

8 cases of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)
11 cases of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

Of the 19 children diagnosed, 11 were referred to Nepal Heart Clinic and other specialized cardiac centres for further evaluation, follow-up and treatment planning. Among the referred children, two children from Siraha have already undergone cardiac surgery and are reported to be doing well.

Apart from screening and diagnosis, the program also contributed to increasing awareness among students, teachers, parents and local communities regarding childhood heart disease, prevention of Rheumatic Heart Disease, early recognition of symptoms and the importance of timely medical consultation.

The project demonstrated the effectiveness of collaboration between Rotary Club of Patan, Nepal Heart Foundation, participating schools, medical professionals and community stakeholders in bringing specialized cardiac screening services closer to children who may otherwise have limited access to such facilities.

Through early detection, referral and follow-up, the project helped improve the possibility of timely medical and surgical intervention and reduced the risk of long-term complications among affected children.

Key Project Outcomes

5 schools covered
6,416 school children screened
169 echocardiographic examinations conducted
19 children diagnosed with heart disease
8 RHD cases identified
11 CHD cases identified
11 children referred for specialist evaluation and treatment
2 children have already undergone cardiac surgery

This District Grant was initiated in Rotary Year 2025-26 and the screening activities and final project reporting were completed on 21 July 2026.