Cardiac institute earmarks 700 heart patients for surgery in TZ

Dar es Salaam. The Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) has ear-marked at least 700 heart patients for surgery as the institute gears up for an intervention programme to deal with Cardiovascular Diseases(CVDs).

JKCI’s Paediatric Heart Surgeon, Dr. Godwin Sharau said on Saturday that the institute was now looking for financial assistance in an effort to make the surgical programme succeed.

"So far we have identified about 700 people with heart problems but for now, we will be able to operate only 150 patients due to financial constraints," he said. Already, Sh 8million has obtained from various sources, for diagnosing more patients.

According to him, heart problems are still a big challenge in the country, especially in children.  "…60 percent of children die of heart complications before getting to the hospital, “he said.

Dr Sharau made the remarks when deputy speaker of the national assembly Tulia Akson visited JKCI. The aim of the visit was to raise awareness to stakeholders who would to like support people who have been diagnosed with heart problems.

Dr Akson, who is also the Executive Director of Tulia Trust Foundation, said heart diseases in Tanzania still need financial support.

"I have come here to visit heart patients and to see one of the patients, Doreen Sostain, since the Foundation is financing her treatment," she said.

According to statistics obtained from JKCI, out of the1.5 million children born every year, 15,000 are diagnosed with heart complications but so far only 500 are operated every year in Tanzania.

JKCI is also facing challenges with infrastructure, whereby it is supposed to have three surgical rooms but currently only two of the rooms are effectively working.