From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.
A team of 25 Cardio specialists from Cardiostart International in the United States of America (USA) has successfully performed open heart surgery on 11 patients suffering from acute cardiovascular diseases at the Accident and Emergency Centre of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
The team, made up of medical officers and anaesthesists among others, performed the operation in collaboration with their counterparts at the KATH as part of a programme to build the capacity of local medical officers.
The team also donated medical equipment and supplies estimated at $430,000.00 to the KATH to enhance quality delivery of healthcare for patients who flock the hospital.
Among the items donated were anaesthetic machine, two defibrillator machines, two electro cardiogram machines, seven drip stands, two wheelchairs, three file cabinets, assorted medical consumables, gowns, needles, syringes and catheters.
In their first open heart surgery performed at the Intensive Care Unit of the KATH in February 2009, eight patients suffering from acute heart diseases benefited from their gesture.
The team also donated two containers full of medical supplies and equipment to the KATH as a way of supporting them to establish a cardiothoracic centre
At the time journalists visited the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), of the Accident and Emergency Centre of the hospital, some of the patients have already been discharged, but others were still on admission.
A 13-year-old girl, who was recuperating at the ICU was full of smiles when newsmen visited her.
She said she always felt very tired anytime she attempted walking and said with the successful operation, she was looking forward to attending school to effectively develop her potentials and acquire employable skills.
“I attend school at Kings and Queen International in Kumasi and I hope to start school very soon,” Eunice Ezerke told newsmen.
During the visit, the medical officers were busily operating Sunday Wepia, a 17-year-old girl who is also suffering from acute heart disease.
The Head of the team, Dr Uday Dandekar, who is a Cardiovascular specialist, said cardio vascular diseases are now common in developing countries including Ghana, adding that victims mostly come from poor homes who cannot afford the cost of surgery, hence their desire to perform free surgery for such patients.
Professor Ohene Adjei, the Chief Executive of KATH, said the cost of each operation would have been Euro 6000.00 and said his administration would continue to collaborate with Cardiostart to enable as many needy patients as possible to benefit from their gesture.
He commended the team for donating the medical equipment and assured to use them for the intended purpose to enhance quality healthcare delivery .
No comments:
Post a Comment