Blantyre Adventist Hospital, Hearts for Mission International Pioneer Open Heart Surgery in Malawi
Dr. Ferkado highlighted that ten patients are expected to benefit from the camp of visiting doctors currently providing these critical services.
Blantyre, Malawi - In a groundbreaking collaboration, Blantyre Adventist Hospital and Hearts for Mission International have launched the first-ever open-heart surgery program in Malawi, writes Alex Ngulube.
Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud, visited Blantyre Adventist Hospital on Thursday to witness the pioneering services and extend her support to the patients.
During an interview, the minister conveyed her excitement regarding the introduction of open-heart surgeries and procedures.
She emphasized the significant cost-saving impact on the government, stating that the initiative would help save over K100 million, which was previously spent on referring patients abroad for treatment.
"The government has been allocating substantial funds to send patients to India for surgeries. As a country, we are thrilled about this development because it allows these surgeries to be performed right here in Malawi," Daud noted.
The program is currently being facilitated by over 20 surgeons from the United States of America and Kenya, who are conducting a cardiology camp under the Hearts for Mission International banner.
This dedicated team has already accomplished the first two open-heart surgeries in the country.
Jason Blanchard, the Chief Executive Officer of Hearts for Mission International, expressed his satisfaction with the successful surgeries and affirmed the organization's readiness to collaborate with Malawian surgeons to ensure the continuity of these life-saving procedures.
Blanchard shared, "This is our first camp, and while we originally aimed for conducting it twice a year, we are looking to expand this initiative, possibly establishing it permanently. We believe it's vital to enhance the capacity of Malawians to manage these surgeries. When we eventually leave, we want Malawians to take the lead."
He added that Malawi was their initial choice for this mission, driven by a heartfelt commitment to assisting Malawians suffering from heart-related complications.
Kirby Kasinja, the CEO of Blantyre Adventist Hospital, expressed his delight at the collaboration with the Ministry of Health to bring these services to the country.
He was also optimistic about the program's sustainability, with plans for conducting these operations twice every year in Malawi and an eventual permanent establishment on the horizon.
Addressing the matter, Dr. Ferkado, one of the doctors directly involved in the surgeries, conveyed his satisfaction with the recovery of some patients who are now in stable condition, receiving advanced machinery and medication to facilitate their recuperation.
Dr. Ferkado highlighted that ten patients are expected to benefit from the camp of visiting doctors currently providing these critical services.