Twenty-two patients with severe heart rhythm disorders have undergone life-saving cardiac device implants at the National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC), Korle Bu, during a five-day medical mission valued at approximately GH₵2 million. The initiative, spearheaded by the Mount Carmel Foundation in collaboration with the NCTC, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), and Africa World Airlines, brought together cardiac specialists from Ghana and the United States to deliver advanced treatment to patients who otherwise could not afford such procedures.
The medical team successfully carried out complex interventions, including Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) implants, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) procedures, and left bundle branch area pacing for patients with critical heart conditions.
Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, Director of the NCTC, highlighted that the mission’s success was achieved through the coordinated expertise of professionals across multiple disciplines—cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, electrophysiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, radiographers, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and other support staff.
Dr. Entsua-Mensah said the coordinated approach allowed the team to overcome technical challenges, adding that all patients had recovered well and were ready for discharge by the end of the mission.
He noted that the collaboration would extend beyond the treatment of the 22 patients, with plans to strengthen advanced cardiac electrophysiology care in Ghana through training, knowledge transfer, and continued cooperation between Ghanaian and international specialists.
“Both teams view this success as a foundation for long-term collaboration,” Dr. Entsua-Mensah said, adding that the partnership would help build a stronger framework for managing complex heart conditions locally. The mission also provided financial relief for patients who would otherwise have struggled to access the expensive procedures.
Juliet Asabea Awuku, who was living with heart failure caused by peripartum cardiomyopathy, described her successful Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy procedure as a new opportunity for life. “The immense financial relief of this procedure means everything to us,” she said. “My family and I are profoundly grateful to the dedicated local medical team here in Ghana, as well as the diaspora specialists who travelled to support us.”
Dr. Kamel Addo, a cardiologist-electrophysiologist and team lead from the Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus, Ohio, said the partnership helped address the treatment gap for under-resourced patients requiring complex heart procedures. He praised the professionalism and expertise of the Cardio Centre team, saying their coordination enabled the successful completion of a large number of advanced procedures within a short period.
Dr. Addo added that the mission was made possible through support from the Mount Carmel Foundation, which helped reduce the financial burden of the devices and procedures, making advanced cardiac care accessible to patients who could not otherwise afford it.
The NCTC said patients who were unable to attend during the mission period would continue to receive care from the Cardio Centre when they are ready for treatment.
Source: William Narh
