A group of cardiac specialists from Zimbabwe has announced plans to perform 60 free open-heart surgeries this year as part of efforts to address the backlog of people in need of treatment. The veteran cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, Dr. Wilfred Muteweye, revealed that the surgeries will include potentially life-saving procedures for heart patients. He also mentioned that the program will expand to include open heart surgery for children starting around July or August.
The initiative is a response to the high costs’ patients had to bear when seeking treatment outside the country, as heart operations in places like India can range from $8,000 to $15,000. In Zimbabwe, however, these operations are done free of charge.
Dr. Muteweye affirmed that the team has the capacity to carry out these surgeries and even more complex procedures. The government is providing support for this critical service in order to reduce the backlog of patients awaiting heart treatment. At present, there are three cardiac surgeons working in the public sector, forming a competent team for one centre.
As the team grows and more surgeons are trained, the aim is to expand the program to other parts of the country. The Zimbabwean team comprises skilled surgeons, anaesthetists, perfusionists, and critical care professionals.
Zimbabwe has a history of heart operations dating back to 1959. The resumption of open-heart surgery in the country has been a significant development, with the program having experienced interruptions due to challenges in procuring necessary supplies.
The current initiative, led by Dr. Simukayi Machawira, marks a continuation of past efforts to provide vital cardiac care. Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and Zimbabwe aims to address this health challenge by offering free surgeries to patients in need.
