Mbarara University of Science and Technology’s Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) together with Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) carried out the first-ever close heart surgery. The medical camp lasted a week where seven children benefited. The surgery focused on closing Patent ductus Arterious (PDAs) which is a congenital heart defect that affects the growth, development and well- being of the children According to Dr. Dorah Nampijja the Paediatric cardiologist in MUST said the event was a cooperate social responsibility for the community and a first step toward establishing future cardiac surgery at a regional level.
Dr. Dorah said the camp changed the lives of 8 families. The children who received surgery were children who had been identified through our paediatric cardiac clinic and under our care from various parts of Ankole and Kigezi sub regions. She added that the surgery was successfully under the team lead of Dr. Michael Oketcho of Uganda Heart Institute and a specialist in Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery and his team of cardiologist intensivists, critical care specialists, cardiac nurses. The other members from UHI on the team included: Dr. Muhoozi Rwakaryebe a Consultant paediatric cardiac surgeon, Dr. Ayupo Nodrine consultant anethisiologist Dr. Miriam Nalule critical care specialist, Dr. Namuyonga Judith, a consultant paediatric cardiologist and Dr. Setabi Michael a cardiothoracic surgery fellow.
This surgical camp did not only benefit the patients but also the paediatrics, surgical and anesthesia post graduate students through training sessions and tutorials.
A total of 7 children age ranging from 18 months to 17 years (including 2 little girls 3 years and eight , siblings from the same family) completed the surgery successfully and were discharged from hospital. The assembled team blended well and showcased their unwavering commitment to saving lives.
The Head of Department, Dr. Elias Kumbakumba said the event symbolizes the epitome of collaboration and compassion, illustrating the transformative impact that can be achieved when the medical community unites in the pursuit of healing and saving lives. He added that MUST remains committed to pushing boundaries and making a difference in pediatric healthcare with the theme “Reaching every Child”
Special recognition goes to the team from UHI who not only traveled a long distance but also brought state of the art equipment to support the camp, the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital theatre, paediatric surgery that offered the conducive working environment and theatre space, manpower for this camp and Mbarara Paediatrics ward that supported the patients with meals, medication continued support after the surgery by reviewing the patients.
