The Rotary Needy Heart Foundation (RNHF), an extension of the Needy Heart Foundation (NHF), was established in 2021 under the initiative of PP. O. P. Khanna. Guided by the vision “to provide a new lease of life to underprivileged children and breadwinners suffering from heart ailments through timely medical intervention, in the true spirit of Rotary’s ideal of service,” RNHF has been a beacon of hope for thousands of needy families.
To provide free heart surgeries for children and breadwinners from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, with the active involvement of Rotarians and Rotary Clubs.
To ensure sustainable post-surgical recovery and cure for beneficiaries.
To inspire Rotary Clubs to mobilize resources and funds through members, the public, and corporate organizations in support of this noble cause.
Since 2001, NHF and RNHF, in collaboration with Rotary Clubs of erstwhile RI District 3190 (now RI Districts 3191 & 3192), have enabled over 12,000 children and breadwinners from BPL families to undergo life-saving heart surgeries. These procedures have been performed across renowned hospitals including Jayadeva Hospital, Manipal Hospital, and Narayana Hrudayalaya.
In just the Rotary year 2023–24, RNHF facilitated 1,044 free heart surgeries for children and breadwinners. Beyond India, NHF and RNHF have extended their support globally, helping nearly 300 children from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Nepal, Ghana, and others, who were suffering from congenital heart diseases (CHD).
Global Recognition
RNHF’s efforts, particularly in supporting children from Africa—especially Ethiopia—have earned widespread appreciation. Notably, on 27th April 2025, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in his “Mann Ki Baat” address, commended the Foundation’s work. He lauded the collaboration between Indian medical institutions and overseas Indian communities in providing life-saving care to children from developing nations in Africa.
— PDG Rajendra Rai, Managing Trustee, Rotary Needy Heart Foundation, RI Districts 3191 & 3192
