Aisha Buhari urges philanthropists to save more cardiac patients in Nigeria

By Grace Audu (HEALTH CORRESPONDENT) –

Against the backdrop of the growing number of cardiac patients in Nigeria, an appeal has gone out to well-meaning Nigerians to join hands in equipping cardiac centres with the necessary equipment and consumables.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, who made the appeal in Abuja today, believed such philanthropic gestures would pave the way for the much-needed heart surgeries to take place in every region of the country.

She spoke at the 5^th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nigeria.

Mrs. Buhari, who was represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Health and Developmental Partners, Dr. Victoria Ogala-Akogwu, said the improved centres would contribute significantly to the development and sustainability of advanced cardiac care.

Dr. Victoria Ogala-Akogwu (l) receiving and award on behalf of Mrs Buhari from Dr. Uvie Onakpoya

She expressed the belief that the centres would collaborate with local and international organizations, including training personnel.

Mrs Buhari recalled how she collaborated with members of the association during her recently concluded cardiac surgery missions, where 10 children and 12 adults successfully had open heart surgeries and cardiac interventional procedures, respectively.

This, she said, gave her an insight into how delicate and highly technical this aspect of medicine is.

In his address, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Musa Bello, made it known that efforts were being made to turn the territory into a major tourism conference hub in Nigeria and across the continent, and he urged members of the association to continue in their efforts to save lives and develop the next generation.

Dignitaries at the 5^th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nigeria.

President of the association, Dr. Uvie Onakpoya, had earlier in his remarks, noted that despite the brain drain, Nigeria receives the best thoracic surgery care comparable to anywhere in the world.

He commended the First Lady for her interest in cardiac surgeries, exemplified by the recently concluded Future Assured Cardiac Mission, which saved many lives.

Onakpoya called on other well-to-do Nigerians to emulate the effort of the First Lady.

The First lady was later presented with an award for her contribution to advancing cardiac surgical practice in Nigeria.