Latest technology on heart complications will save thousands of lives – First Lady

The latest technology on cardiac complications is now locally available and Kenyans with heart problems can seek intervention without the need to travel abroad.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta unveiled the modern and State of the art digital flat-panel detector and fluoroscopic x-ray system at the Aga Khan Hospital, Mombasa’s refurbished cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath-Lab).

She also inaugurated the hospital’s cardiology program during the ceremony also graced by the  Aga Khan Health Services Board Executive Committee  chair, Princess Zahra Aga Khan , Regional Director, French Development Agency (AFD), Mr Bruno De Prince and  several foremost cardiologists  and partners.

The Cath-Lab, the latest in Kenya and the first of its kind outside Nairobi, can offer more than 20 heart-related services and has a capacity to handle 15 patients with cardiac problems per day.

The medical procedures that can be sorted at the Cath-Lab include Diagnostic coronary angiography, Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and stenting for patients with damaged heart vessels, Temporary Transvenous Pacemaker insertion and intra-aortic balloon pump insertion.

Other procedures that will now be locally available are Pacemaker and automatic defibrillator implantation (epicardial, transvenous), Diagnostic peripheral angiography for patients with peripheralarterial occlusive disease and Port Cath and PICC line insertion for administration of chemotherapy.

Patients with such problems as Right heart catheterization requiring further evaluation for heart failure, Valvular heart diseases and Pulmonary hypertension will also be assisted as will those with inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement challenges.

The First Lady described the Cath-Lab as a historical, important initiative and the most innovative investment that will expand access to quality diagnostic, timely and accurate treatment not only to the people of the coastal region, but the entire country.

The First Lady said the visionary project promises to offer many Kenyans readily available and diagnostic treatment, as well as training for medical professionals and research.

“I am confident that together we will find the right approach to increase public awareness and develop practical and sustainable solutions to treatment for cardiovascular diseases’’, she said.

She said besides enhancing access to health facilities, the new Cath-Lab will also offload the existing pressure on Referral Hospitals and medical specialists.

The First Lady said coronary artery diseases continue to be a major threat in Sub-Saharan Africa including Kenya where more than 30,000 avoidable deaths occur annually, mostly affecting the younger generation in the productive age segment.

“Dealing with this new phenomenon requires an aligned vision, cultivation of reliable and strong partnerships between the public sector, professionals, development partners and the private sector”, said the First Lady.

She said that during her four-year journey with the Beyond Zero initiative, travelling across 47 counties, she had witnessed the invaluable and pivotal role that partnerships play in positively impacting communities and complimenting Government effort to expand access to quality, timely and affordable healthcare.

“Which is why I am so thrilled to be part of this partnership today that will have a direct bearing on targeting poor households and vulnerable citizens’’, she said.

The First Lady said Kenya has spent the last decade addressing the issue of quality healthcare access where the country has registered laudable success.

The Cardiology program  offers a continuum of high quality health services, ranging from emergency treatment of various heart diseases such as heart attack, high blood pressure, heart failure and cardiac rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation, expansion and modernization of facilities at Aga Khan Hospitals in Mombasa and Kisumu are being funded by the AFD and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

Princess Zahra  said  the presence of the First Lady at the ceremony demonstrated the strong and important partnership between the Government and the AKDN.

She said besides training of health professionals, the Aga Khan Health Services provided health care to over 1 million Kenyans last year.

Princess Zahra said the Cardiology Program is an important step by the  Aga Khan Health Services and a similar program  is planned  for Kisumu City.

She however underlined the need for sustainability,  capacity building and continued partnership with the government for the program to successfully continue saving lives.

AKDN (Kenya) Diplomatic Representative  Dr. Azim Lakhani and the  Aga Khan Council for Kenya President Mr Nawaaz Gulam also attended the ceremony.