Head of clinical services at Tshepong Hospital Professor Binu Luke hailed the heart health partnership as a unique partnership – one of the first in the country.

“The country has a general shortage of cardiac catheterization labs and hence this partnership serves as a model for other partnerships in the country,” said Prof. Luke.

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The treatment of more than one hundred state funded patients who living with heart disease will improve substantially. They will be able to undergo angiograms, which are diagnostic tests that use x-rays to take picture of a patient’s blood vessels. The hospital will also be able to insert cardiac stents, which are used to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, or improve blood flow immediately following a heart attack. Previously, patients living with heart conditions had to be transferred to Gauteng facilities which are burdened with their own patient load.

Happy heart, happy patient

“I had a massive heart attack over a year ago and I have benefited from this partnership,” said a 62 year-old state patient, Sias Henning from Stilfontein near Klerksdorp. Henning further explained that he initially received clot buster medication at Tshepong Hospital to open the closed vessel, but it did not work.

He was rushed to Anncron Hospital where a specialist did an angiogram. “The diagnosis showed that one of his coronary blood vessels was totally blocked due to excessive calcium,” said Dr Don Zachariah, Specialist Physician and Interventional Cardiologist.

“Dr Zachariah finally drilled it open with a special tool. I am very grateful to have him help me as he is one of the few cardiologists in the country who are certified to perform this special, sophisticated, yet life-saving procedure. I am now at my optimum performance,” added Henning.

Successful heart procedure

Another patient Josephine Kadi (36), is now living her life to the fullest after a successful pacemaker procedure. Josephine initially had a pacemaker procedure done at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. But, she still faced some challenges thereafter. “I could not walk long distances, I constantly experienced swollen feet and had breathing problems,” said Kadi.

The diagnosis at Tshepong Hospital showed she needed a more expensive pacemaker.

“I am thankful for the help I received from Tshepong Hospital as they were able to fund this expensive 3 lead pacemaker.I am now able to do all that I need to without any challenges,” said Kadi. – Health-e News