by Lorraine Gabina – EM TV News, Port Moresby
According to Australian Doctors International Forum, Papua New Guinea has a significantly high doctor-patient ratio. This mismatch has consequently resulted in increased incidences of non-communicable diseases in the country.
51-year-old Madrias Legas, from Western Highlands Province, is the first female in PNG to successfully undergo cardiac bypass surgery.
Madrias, after experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains, underwent tests in November 2014 at the Pacific International Hospital, revealing three very critical blockages in her main coronary arteries.
Port Moresby General Hospital’s Cardio Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Noah Tapaua, confirmed the statistic, saying a cardio bypass surgery differs from an open-heart surgery where the operation is being performed on the heart itself.
Pacific International Hospital’s Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Dr. OP Sharma, is seeing a small but significant rise in heart disease in women.
He operated on the first female patient on November 25, which he described to be his most challenging operation.
Dr. Sharma added that apart from performing the actual surgery, Anaesthetist assistance from Dr. Vandana Sharma, was most important.
Only six hours after surgery, Madrias was taken off the artificial respirator.
A day after surgery, Madrias started eating, and has even managed to climb two flights of stairs at the hospital, just two days after her surgery.
After successfully undergoing her Cardiac Bypass Surgery at the Pacific International Hospital last Wednesday, Madrias was discharged yesterday afternoon and will be reviewed by Dr. Sharma in one weeks time.
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