Joyalukkas Foundation Launches ₹63 Lakh Free Pacemaker Scheme for Poor Heart Patients in Kerala

Thrissur, Kerala: The Joyalukkas Foundation has launched a ₹63 lakh healthcare initiative to provide 50 free pacemakers to underprivileged heart patients across Kerala. Announced on World Heart Day, the programme aims to ensure that financially vulnerable patients do not miss life-saving treatment due to cost barriers.

The scheme supports patients suffering from severe bradycardia and other rhythm disorders requiring permanent pacemaker implantation — a procedure often unaffordable for low-income families. Beneficiaries are identified through government and charitable hospitals, with the first phase focusing on central Kerala, including patients from the Government Medical College Thrissur and other major public institutions. The Foundation covers the pacemaker device and most associated medical expenses, while surgeries are conducted at partner hospitals.

Joy Alukkas, Chairman of the Joyalukkas Group, said the initiative reflects the Foundation’s belief that no life should be lost due to financial hardship. The pacemaker project forms part of its broader healthcare outreach, which includes dialysis support (over one lakh treatments assisted), cancer medicine distribution, surgical aid for the poor, and the construction of hundreds of “Joy Homes,” along with education and community health programmes.

The programme has already benefited patients in the Thrissur–Chavakkad belt, with hospitals such as Hayath Hospital carrying out implant procedures. Doctors note that many recipients are daily-wage earners and small farming families who would otherwise have delayed or forgone treatment.

The Foundation plans to expand the initiative to more districts, subject to funding and hospital partnerships, and is coordinating with state health authorities and NGOs to ensure transparent beneficiary selection through established screening systems.

Patients seeking eligibility details may contact the Joyalukkas Foundation office in Thrissur or approach social welfare desks at government medical colleges in their district.