China Gives To Cardio Centre

Li Jian with staff of the Chinese Embassy handing over the medical disposables to Dr Lawrence Sereboe and medical personnel of the National Cardio Centre

The Chinese Embassy in Ghana has presented medical disposables to the National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).

The donation which was through the benevolence of the Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute was in support of the newly-created cardiac catheterisation laboratory established by the centre, with support from central government.

The catheterisation laboratory or cath lab which is yet to be officially opened but is running on trail basis is an examination room in the centre with diagnostic imaging equipment used to visualise the arteries of the heart and the chambers of the heart and treat any stenosis or abnormality found.

Hence, the donation would assist the lab in conducting its tests in the interim, while it gets ready to start full operations in the near future.

Li Jian, Counsellor at the Economic and Commercial Office of the People's Republic of China in Ghana, making the presentation, linked the donation to the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

He said China has made notable impact in the country's public health through free surgeries, training and refurbishment of some health facilities.

“Last year, we conducted 20 free heart surgeries in the country and our team is also conducting investigations into heart attacks in the country,” he said.

Mr Jiang was hopeful the relationship between the two countries in terms of public health delivery would grow stronger.

Dr Lawrence Sereboe, welcoming the dignitaries to the centre and accepting the donation, stated that the cardio centre has had a mutual relationship with the Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute over the years through the exchange programmes offered cardiologists at the centre.

He said the donation would boost the work of the cath lab which was installed by locals and consists of a strong team of Ghanaian medical experts.

“We are grateful to the Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute for the support they have shown us and we look forward to partnering them in collaboration and opportunities in cardiovascular care,” Dr Sereboe said.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri