By Lillian Sopera Keneqa – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Three cardiac surgeons performed six extremely complex surgeries, within the last three days, at the Pacific International Hospital (PIH). This is their eighth visit into the country and they return every three months to undertake such complex cardiac procedures.
It has been a successful three days for PIH’s International team of cardiac surgeons. Traveling across three time zones from India to PNG, the surgeons had only one goal: to give heart service to those who desperately needed it.
PIH CEO, Col. Sandeep Shaligram said, “These are all very complex cases which some of them are not undertaken in the developed countries.”
He added, “The surgeon team come with a great set of expertise – that any complications or any kind of surgeries – heart elements, they have experience.”
Since their first expedition to PNG to date, they have completed 50 successful cardiac surgeries. Cardiac Surgeon, Dr. Vishal Gupta said, “We finished our 50th case yesterday without experiencing any complications or problems with any of the patients.”
Other Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Rajan Modi said, “Many who are suffering from heart disease feel that they need to travel overseas to get help. But that will cost more. That is why we need to come and help.”
Cardiac Anaesthetist Dr. Namen Shastri added on, “The surgeries performed are hardly possible in developing countries.
He thanked PIH saying it wouldn’t be possible without the help and its infrastructures and most importantly the trust of those they were helping.
The three surgeons left today and will be back in three months time.
