Healing Hearts Across Borders: A Groundbreaking Partnership in Cardiac Care

By Daily News Reporter 

In a remarkable display of international cooperation and medical expertise, the National Heart Hospital in Zambia joined forces with the University of Michigan Health to conduct a adult open Heart surgery mission camp. This pioneering partnership has opened up new possibilities for cardiac care in Zambia, empowering local surgeons to perform complex heart surgeries and saving countless lives.

The collaboration was born out of a shared vision to improve cardiac care globally. The University of Michigan from United States of America is led by Professor Gorav Ailawadi , renowned for its excellence in cardiac surgery, brought its expertise to the National Heart Hospital, which has been working tirelessly to develop its cardiac surgery program.

During the mission camp, the team faced numerous challenges and out comes. However, through determination, creativity, and a shared commitment to excellence, they successfully adapted to these conditions. The outcome was nothing short of remarkable – several complex heart surgeries were performed, including an aortic arch replacement and a double valve replacement.

To perform these sucsseful outcomes the University of Michigan's department of cardiac surgery donated critical, life saving medical supplies Heart valves, oxygenators and a heart lung machine valued at K 9,000,000.

The partnership has been hailed as a resounding success, with the local team gaining invaluable experience and skills. Dr Chabwela Shumba a senior Medical Superintendent at National Heart Hospital, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the partnership, stating that it has helped them develop the capacity to perform complex cardiac surgeries locally.

Speaking to health reporters at National Heart Hospital in Lusaka Dr Chabwela Shumba stated that this has brought opportunities for surgeonists to acquire surgery skills.

Dr Shumba also said that these regular mission camps will continue to ensure that more citizens access life-saving treatments across the country.

He further urged the citizens to start having check-ups for their health benefits.

Dr Shumba also noted that cardiac conditions has become high among women and children especially adults facing such as severe rheumatic heart valve disease, aortic aneurysms, and coronary artery disease.

And according to University of Michigan Health led Professor Gorav Ailawadi of Cardiac surgery stated also that the team has a strong commitment to global health initiatives and education, offering various fellowship programs and training opportunities in cardiac surgery.

This partnership with the National Heart Hospital is a shining example of their efforts to share knowledge and expertise with international teams, ultimately improving cardiac care globally.

Further Professor Gorav Ailawadi urged the government to invest more in health facilities for surgery patients to access life-saving treatments to reduce traveling costs for patients.

As the National Heart Hospital continues to develop its cardiac surgery program, the future of cardiac care in Zambia looks brighter than ever. This groundbreaking partnership has paved the way for local surgeons to perform complex heart surgeries, saving lives and transforming the landscape of cardiac care in the region.

Meanwhile one of the patients Thelma Phiri ( names with held for confidentiality purposes) said that this mission has helped her reduce traveling costs and other medical expenses from outside treatment.

She urged the government and private sectors to invest in local doctors and surgeons to provide local solutions to the Zambian people.

And Gilbert Mulenga he applauded the National Heart Hospital doctors, surgeons and the university of Michigan under professor Gorav Ailawadi for providing support to the Zambian medical team.

This remarkable story serves as a powerful reminder that Zambia has potential to treat cardiacal patients, even in the face of adversity, determination, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence which can achieve extraordinary things. 

So far during this mission for 2025 adult open heart the National Heart Hospital in partnership with University of Michigan is working to provide life-saving surgeries for 10 patients suffering from a range cardiac conditions and out of 10 patients 8 patients have already undergone successful surgeries,1 on the list for surgery.

And this ongoing mission has resulted in significant cost saving for the government. An open heart surgery abroad costs around $20,000 per patient and the mission has targeted to do 100 adult open heart surgeries in 2025.

Has we celebrate this triumph in cardiac care, we honor the brave patients, dedicated healthcare professionals, and visionary organizations that have made it possible.

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