By Sultani Kipingo
The three doctors from the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) at the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam who were sent to perform lifesaving heart Surgeries to Rwandan Children at King Faisal Hospital have arrived in Kigali and have today performed surgeries on four children.
The acting Executive Director of JKCI Professor Mohamed Janabi told this reporter that the three Tanzanian Medical experts, who are working hand in hand with JKCI's International partner, Open Heart International (OHI) Australia, have set up a nine-day surgical camp at the King Faisal Medical Central from 14th to 22nd April, 2016 during which time some 25 Rwandan Children are expected to get life saving heart operations.
The trio, Dr. Godwin Godfrey Sharau (team leader and Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon) , Dr, Naiz Majani (Pediatric Cardiologist) and Dr. Onesmo Mhewa (Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiologist), left mid this week for Kigali.
“Since Rwanda has yet to have a standing cardiac program, the collaboration is aimed at addressing urgent surgical needs for the growing Rwanda waiting list as well as working with local health providers in training and development.
“Moreover it is a welcome gesture from Tanzania to Rwandan children to having surgeries at the JKCI as part of the Tanzania-Rwanda and East Africa collaboration spirit”, Prof Janabi said.
He said though still at its infancy, JKCI has vastly grown its capacity in regard to open heart surgeries on children.
“In 2015 for example, 207 children had their life saving surgeries at JKCI and many more continue to receive their treatment in this year. Some 300 more children are expected to be operated on at the Institute this year”, he said, adding that for this year already some 80 patients have already been operated one between January and March alone.
“The objective of JKCI remains to be a Center of Excellency in Heart Diseases in East Africa by 2020” recounted Prof Janabi.
“For example in 2015 we operated on twins from DRC, patients from the Comoros and conducted procedures to a number of diplomats residing in Dar es Salaam - the future is bright...” he said.
The three Tanzanian Medical experts: Centre is Dr. Godwin Godfrey Sharau (team leader and Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon), Right is Dr, Naiz Majani (Pediatric Cardiologist), left is Dr. Onesmo Mhewa (Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiologist) at the departure lounge of Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es salaam waiting for their flight to Kigali
A quick selfie upon arrival at the King Faisal Hospital in Kigali ready for their nine-day life-saving camp
One of the four procedures the trio conducted at the hospital today
Part of the King Faisal Hospital in Kigali
King Faisal Hospital in Kigali
Well done our doctors. You have honoured our country and we are pround of you.God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you people
ReplyDeleteOngera sana vijana.
ReplyDeleteImpressive
ReplyDeleteGood doctors, keep up the good work we have faith in your competence.
ReplyDelete