Bihar Bal Hriday Yojana (BHY) 2026 - Free Treatment to Children Suffering From Heart Ailments

Bihar government's Bal Hriday Yojana (BHY) provides free treatment to children up to 18 years who suffer from congenital heart disease, including holes in the heart. The scheme was launched in April 2021 under the Saat Nischay 2 programme and continues to help children across the state in 2026.

On 13 June 2026, Health Minister Nishant Kumar flagged off the 100th batch of children under the scheme. A total of 32 children were sent from Patna to Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital in Ahmedabad for free surgery and treatment. As per official figures, more than 3,100 children have been treated under the scheme so far.

Bihar Bal Hriday Yojana (BHY) Details

The scheme was first announced in the Bihar Budget 2023-24. The Finance Minister had said that Bal Hriday Yojana (Nanhe Dilon Ki Muskaan) is running in the state for the treatment of children born with holes in their hearts. Under it, 562 children had successfully undergone free heart surgery in Ahmedabad at that time.

At the launch, the then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar flagged off a bus carrying 21 children with this condition, along with their guardians, to the Patna airport to be flown to Ahmedabad for specialised treatment. The children were treated at the Ahmedabad-based hospital run by the Prashanti Medical Services and Research Foundation, with which the state government has an agreement for free treatment and care.

The scheme is now run under the new state government. Nitish Kumar resigned as Chief Minister on 14 April 2026 and Samrat Choudhary took charge as the new Chief Minister of Bihar. The scheme continues to operate under the health department.

Benefits of Bal Hriday Yojana

Under the scheme, eligible children get free screening, surgery and treatment for congenital heart disease. The government bears the full cost of treatment, including travel expenses of the child and a guardian.

• Free screening and diagnosis of congenital heart disease through regular health camps across the state.
• Free surgery and treatment at specialised hospitals such as Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital in Ahmedabad, Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology (IGIC), Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) and Medanta Hospital in Patna.
• Travel and stay support for the child and one guardian during treatment.

Eligibility

Children up to 18 years of age who are residents of Bihar and suffer from congenital heart disease, particularly holes in the heart, can get benefit under the scheme. Eligible children are identified through regular screening camps and medical examinations conducted by the health department.

How to Apply

STEP 1 - Get the child screened at a government health camp or hospital in your district. The health department regularly conducts screening drives to identify children with congenital heart disease.

STEP 2 - After diagnosis, the child is referred to a specialised institution such as IGIC, IGIMS, Medanta Hospital in Patna or Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital in Ahmedabad for treatment.

STEP 3 - The health department handles the referral and treatment process. For more details, visit the official Bal Hriday Yojana portal at bhy.bihar.gov.in.

Highlights of Bal Hriday Yojana

FAQ's

Is Bal Hriday Yojana still running in 2026?

Yes, the scheme is still running. The 100th batch of children was flagged off on 13 June 2026 for free heart treatment in Ahmedabad.

Who can get benefit under Bal Hriday Yojana?

Children up to 18 years who are residents of Bihar and suffer from congenital heart disease, including holes in the heart, can get benefit.

Where is the treatment done under the scheme?

Treatment is done at Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital in Ahmedabad, Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology (IGIC), Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) and Medanta Hospital in Patna.