Accra:More than 80 Ghanaians, including over 30 children, have received complex cardiac procedures at the National Cardiothoracic Centre, according to Professor Titus Kofi Beyuo, Board Chairman of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. These specialised heart treatments were previously unavailable in Ghana.
According to Ghana Web, Prof. Beyuo made these remarks after the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health visited the centre to evaluate its operations. He highlighted that patients from various parts of Ghana have traveled to the centre, with support from Africa World Airlines and Mahama Care, particularly for those coming from the northern region.
Prof. Beyuo emphasized the importance of the centre's achievements, showcasing Ghana's capability to deliver specialised healthcare. He advocated for increased investment in training specialists to broaden access to treatment, with plans to establish similar centres in Tamale and at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
To enhance expertise, Prof. Beyuo stressed the need for practical experience and called on the Ghana Medical Trust and other stakeholders to support sending medical professionals abroad for intensive training. He assured that this would not lead to brain drain, as none of the trained cardiothoracic surgeons or cardiologists have left the country.
The National Cardiothoracic Centre, a multidisciplinary facility, handles cardiovascular conditions by bringing together specialists such as cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, neurologists, and interventional radiologists. Prof. Beyuo expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his support and confidence in the centre's capability to manage complex cardiovascular cases. The cath lab, constructed by ADB Ghana Medical Systems Group, is part of ongoing efforts to improve access to specialised cardiovascular care in Ghana.