THE Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in
collaboration with a team of six experts from Saifee Hospital in Mumbai,
India, has successfully conducted Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
operations in the country.
Bashir Nyangasa (C), a cardiologist with the Dar es Salaam-based Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, addresses journalists in the city yesterday. He elaborated on JKCI’s collaboration with Saifee Hospital of Mumbai, India, in conducting open heart surgery known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). He is flanked by Tanzania Bohra Community leader Sheikh Tayabali Patanwalla (L) and Saifee Hospital specialist Dr Aliasgar Behranwala. Photo: Halima Kambi
“It is a record for our institute to perform CABG to that extent. We thank the Dawoodi Bohras society for organising this year’s cardiac bypass surgery camp,” he said.
The director said this year the camp was visited by Dawoodi Bohras head of the society, His Highness Dr Syedna Aliqadr Mufaddal Saifuddin, and had talks with President John Magufuli in October last year.
Dr Nyangasa said in their talks the two leaders agreed, among others, to support the government in different sectors, including in health.
He said in this year’s camp a total of 8 patients were operated, adding that majority of them were of school going age.
Dr Nyangasa called on the public to conduct regular body checks, noting that most of patients were diagnosed at late stages of diseases.
The director explained that it was time for people to register with the Health Insurance Fund to overcome the huge cost of treatment.
According to him, the total cost of treating one heart patient was not less than 30m/-. He said that another camp will be held on Monday, next week, under Little Heart where 15 to 20 children will be operated.
“Joint operation at JKCI are less expensive compared to when patients are sent abroad. On top of it is the fact that our local experts gain knowledge through sharing,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Peter Kisenge, a Cardiologist at JKCI, said that the camp had saved treatment cost amounting to over 200m/- in the three days. He said it was estimated that one cardio vascular surgery was worth over 30m/- per person.
Dr Yunus Loya, a Consultant Cardiologist, applauded JKCI for being the centre of cardio vascular treatment, adding that it was a better place for him to work.
He said JKCI had a conducive environment that attracted experts to visit, compared to other places he had ever visited.
“I’m really pleased to work with the team of experts at JKCI.
There is a good infrastructure, therefore, is a good place to come to next year,” he said.
Conveying messages on behalf of the Dawoodi Bohras country representatives, Burhan Linkage & Liaison Chief Executive Officer, Murtaza Adamjee, said the society has planned not only to treat but also to train the local experts in the health sector.
He said the success was the outcome of the good relations between the society and the government to bring development to its people.
“I call on other stakeholders to join efforts made so far by his society to ensure that the health sector is improved,” he said.
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