Affordable Heart Surgeries in Ghana: UGMC & Edward Lifesciences Partner for Impact

The visit which was aimed at assessing the impact of the three-year partnership between UGMC and the Foundation, highlighted the importance of collaborations between local and international medical teams.

In his welcome address, the CEO of UGMC, Dr. Kwame Anim - Boamah acknowledged the dedication of staff of the UGMC Heart Centre and the transformative strides that had taken place at the Heart Centre through the international collaboration.

Following the CEO's address, the president of The Carding Surgery, Intersociety Alliance and CardioStart International (USA), Emily Farkas, spoke passionately about the mission behind the teams’ visit. “We are here to listen to your needs, offer help, and, most importantly, learn from you. Our ultimate goal is for locals to help locals by sharing knowledge and resources to build sustainable healthcare solutions.”

The audience then listened to several emotionally stirring testimonies from grateful patients across Ghana who had benefited from the complex heart surgeries performed by the UGMC Heart Centre. One patient, who had suffered from a severe heart condition but could not afford the treatment, shared how the surgery had changed his life. “I am forever grateful to the team,” Thanks to the team, I now have a second chance at life.

In his presentation, the founding Director of the UGMC Heart Centre, Dr. Baffoe- Gyan stated that the UGMC Heart Centre's journey began with the vision to become the leading cardiac centre in Ghana and the sub-region through the provision of patient-centered care that is both cost-effective and timely.  He revealed that the Centre’s first heart surgeries were performed in March 2022 by both the local team and members of the Arrhythmia Alliance UK team funded by the Edward Lifesciences Foundation. The team came to the UGMC led by distinguished Ghanaian consultant cardiac surgeon at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Professor Enoch Akowuah who is also chair of cardiac surgery at Newcastle University (UK) and President-elect of the Society for Cardiothoracic surgery in Great Britain and Ireland.

Dr. Gyan further indicated that he and his team were not deterred by the high costs associated with establishing a dedicated cardiothoracic center in Ghana but with the assistance of UK team, they were able to develop a model based on shared expertise, with the foreign partners providing vital support in equipment and training.  According to Dr. Baffoe Gyan, this collaboration which reinforced the importance of teamwork and open communication, had enabled the local team to better manage their patients and enhance their post-operative care, particularly in the UGMC ICU.  He also revealed that the tangible results of the partnership had resulted in 132 heart operations over the last 3 years which included the successful implantation of tissue artificial heart valves which perform better than traditional metal valves,  as well as the performance of Ghana’s first off-pump beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery - a groundbreaking achievement for the country.

He stated that looking ahead, the UGMC heart centre intends to establish fellowship programmes, offering training in cardiac surgery and cardiac anaesthesia, and building a sustainable cardiac nursing training programme. He also commended his team at UGMC for their tireless efforts, particularly fellow cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Offei-Larbi and one of the Centre’s anaesthesiologists, Dr. Ofosu- Appiah.

UGMC staff, including perfusionists, anaesthetists, ICU, theatre and cardiology staff who went to the UK in 2024 to receive advanced training on sponsorship by the Foundation also shared how the experience had enhanced their clinical skills, improved their work protocols, and re-emphasized the importance of teamwork. One staff said, we realized that “Every person, no matter their role, plays an essential part in making this work. From the first meeting to the final surgery, teamwork and communication are key.”

Another staff who was also part of the trip, added that the knowledge, the sharing of expertise, and the mutual respect shared between the local and international medical professionals during the visit has laid the foundation for a brighter future in cardiac care at UGMC.

In her remarks, Amanda C. Fowler, VP of Global Corporate Giving and Executive Director of the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation stated   that while surgery itself may seem like the easiest part, the real challenge lies in the pre-surgery preparations as well as the post-operative care. She added,   “We knew we had the right people, but we needed the right leadership and commitment, and we found that in Ghana."

Professor Akowuah echoed similar sentiments, expressing his deep respect for the dedication of the teams involved in the project and his excitement to be part of the collaboration that would help to make heart surgeries more affordable to Ghanaians and West Africans in general.