NH Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Mukundapur Mon–Thu & Sat · By appointment
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Dr. Debabrata Nandi Paediatric & Fetal Cardiologist
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Paediatric Cardiology in Kolkata — A Parent's Guide

A clear, practical guide for parents in Kolkata and West Bengal: what a child heart specialist does, the conditions and tests involved, treatment without open-heart surgery where possible, what it costs, and how to choose the right doctor.

What a paediatric cardiologist does

A paediatric cardiologist looks after the hearts of babies, children and teenagers — and, through fetal echocardiography, the unborn baby's heart too. This is a distinct specialty from adult cardiology. Dr. Debabrata Nandi is a Senior Consultant Interventional Paediatric & Fetal Cardiologist at RTIICS, Narayana Health, Kolkata, with 12+ years of specialised experience.

Heart conditions in children

Many childhood heart problems are present from birth (congenital). Common ones include holes in the heart (ASD, VSD), a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), narrowed valves, and cyanotic ("blue baby") defects such as Tetralogy of Fallot. Read more: Signs of Heart Disease in Newborns: A Parent's Checklist, "Hole in the Heart" Explained: ASD & VSD, Blue Baby Syndrome: Causes, Signs and Treatment, Heart Murmur in Children: Innocent or Worrying?. Full care pathway: Congenital Heart Disease Care.

Tests your child may need

Most heart tests for children are quick and painless. Fetal Echocardiography checks the baby's heart before birth; Non-Invasive Cardiology covers echocardiography (2D echo), ECG and Holter monitoring. When is a scan worth doing? See Fetal Echocardiography: Who Needs It and What to Expect and When Should You See a Paediatric Cardiologist?.

Treatment without open-heart surgery

Many defects are now fixed through a catheter in a leg vessel — no chest incision, home the next day. These include PDA Device Closure, ASD & VSD Closure and Balloon Valvuloplasty & Angioplasty, all part of Interventional (Catheter) Cardiology. Compare the options: Device Closure vs Open-Heart Surgery for ASD, VSD & PDA.

Costs and free treatment in West Bengal

A large share of children's heart care in West Bengal is free or heavily subsidised through the Sishu Sathi scheme (free cardiac surgery and interventions for children at empanelled hospitals, including Narayana Health), with Swasthya Sathi and RBSK also helping. Full detail: Child Heart Treatment in Kolkata: Costs, Sishu Sathi & Swasthya Sathi.

How to choose the right paediatric cardiologist

Look for a dedicated paediatric-cardiology fellowship (not just a general degree), real experience with the numbers to match, a preference for the least-invasive option, and clear communication in your language. Our checklist: How to Choose a Paediatric Cardiologist in Kolkata.

Where Dr. Nandi consults

Dr. Nandi consults at RTIICS, Mukundapur (E.M. Bypass), Anubhav Diagnostics in Barasat and RB Diagnostic in Kankurgachi, with monthly visits to Ranchi and Bhagalpur. See chambers, timings and book.

Areas we serve: Mukundapur · Kolkata · Salt Lake · New Town · Rajarhat · Baguiati · Kestopur · Dum Dum · Barasat · Madhyamgram · all areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best paediatric cardiologist in Kolkata?
Dr. Debabrata Nandi is a Senior Consultant Interventional Paediatric & Fetal Cardiologist at RTIICS, Narayana Health, Kolkata, with 12+ years' experience, 40,000+ echocardiograms and 2,000+ cath-lab procedures. He consults in Mukundapur, Barasat and Kankurgachi (Kolkata), with monthly visits to Ranchi and Bhagalpur, in Bengali, Hindi and English.
Is child heart surgery free in West Bengal?
Many congenital heart procedures for children are covered free under the West Bengal government's Sishu Sathi scheme, and families can also use Swasthya Sathi cards. Dr. Nandi has screened thousands of children under Sishu Sathi; his team will guide you on eligibility.
When should I take my child to a paediatric cardiologist?
See a specialist if your child has a heart murmur, bluish skin or lips, breathlessness, poor feeding or growth, fainting, palpitations, or a family history of congenital heart disease.
Is a heart murmur in my child dangerous?
Most childhood murmurs are 'innocent' and completely harmless. A quick, painless echocardiogram confirms whether any structural defect is present.
Can holes in the heart close on their own?
Yes — many small ASDs and VSDs close naturally in early childhood. Those that persist can often be closed with a catheter device, without open-heart surgery.
Is fetal echocardiography safe during pregnancy?
Completely. It uses the same safe sound waves as a routine pregnancy ultrasound — no radiation and no risk to mother or baby.
What is device closure — is it surgery?
No. Device closure seals a defect using a small implant delivered through a catheter in a leg vessel. There is no chest incision and recovery is quick — often home the next day.
Can children with heart defects live normal lives?
Yes. With early diagnosis and modern treatment, nearly all children lead active, healthy lives — some simply needing periodic heart check-ups.

Every child's heart deserves an expert.

Book a consultation with Dr. Debabrata Nandi for a clear diagnosis and a compassionate, evidence-based treatment plan.

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