PENANG, Thurs: If Hasvinii Balakrishnan, who will turn three in November, is to lead an active life, she needs to undergo heart surgery.

Last month, she was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease, patent ductus arteriosus or pulmonary hypertension, that needs surgery costing about RM10,000 at Penang Adventist Hospital(PAH).

The operation has been scheduled for Tuesday.

Hasvinii cannot play and run around like any other child because she gets tired very quickly and has no appetite, said her father M. Balakrishnan.

Balakrishnan, a surveyor cum service pest controller with an income of RM1,500, said he has used most of the family’s savings of about RM6,000 for Hasvinii’s medical expenses.

His wife S. Sarala, 36, a housewife, gives tuition at home to help make ends meet.

The hospital is contributing RM5,000 form its heart fund to help with the expenses.

The couple are appealing for an additional RM5,000 form the public to pay for the surgery.

Cheques for Hasvinii should be made payable to Malaysia Hindu Sangam with the words "B.Hasvinii Medical Fund" written at the back and addressed to "The Treasurer", Malaysia Hindu Sangam, Penang State Council, 35 Cecil Street, 10300 Penang.

For details, call P. Murugiah at 016-4449246 or Mohan Pillai at 012-4770633.

Meanwhile, eight-month-old Reenita Supramaniam underwent surgery for a congenital heart condition at the hospital earlier this month.

Her parents K. Supramaniam and Chandraprema Johnny Sagadevan, expressed gratitude for the donations form PAH (RM5,000), American International Assurance’s "Have-A-Heart Fund"(RM14,000) and the public which have made it possible for their child to lead a normal life.