Eleven children for overseas heart surgery

The Ministry of Health will be sending 11 children with life threatening cardiac problems overseas for surgery, as a result of a collaboration among the University of Calgary, Baby Heart (an international Non Governmental Organisation  and the Ministry, GINA said yesterday.

This decision was made after a team from the University of Calgary visited and conducted screening for cardiac related illnesses. The children were chosen among many diagnosed.

Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran during a meeting with the children and their

Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran (centre) meets with children who will be undergoing surgery, along with their parents. (GINA photo)
Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran (centre) meets with children who will be undergoing surgery, along with their parents. (GINA photo)

families stated that the Ministry, along with its two partners will be financing the surgeries.

He added that  the Ministry will aid the parents in obtaining their passports, but they will have to acquire visas.

He also said that representatives of the three collaborating organisations will be conducting post-surgery checks upon the return of the children. Surgeries are expected to begin on January 20, 2014.

The Minister said that under  the  University of Calgary programme within the time frame of one year, eight physicians were trained. These doctors are now able to identify the cardiac conditions of patients locally.

Also working along with Dr Kishan Narine of Calgary University, is Professor Debra Issacs, both of whom have aided with cardiac issues in a great way, the Minister said.