The paediatric cardiology team at UGMC, led by paediatric cardiologist  Dr. Nana Akyaa Yao, worked hand-in-hand with visiting specialists from Qatar Charity to deliver life-changing procedures that many families would otherwise  have been unable to afford.

 

According to Prof. Yao, the UGMC paediatric cardiology team carefully reviewed and selected children for this project through routine clinic visits and echocardiograms over a one year period.. The process she stayed was necessary to ensure hat only patients suitable for these minimally invasive cardiac procedures were chosen. 

 

Dr. Yao stated the collaboration with Qatar Charity began three years ago with the goal of bringing minimally invasive solutions for children with heart conditions to Ghana. Since then, the initiative has grown stronger each year. She revealed that in 2023, 35 children received these free heart procedures at UGMC. In 2024, 40 children benefitted from the procedures and this year, another 40 young patients underwent successful interventions. She revealed that on average, 10 procedures were carried out each day, marking an incredible milestone for Ghana’s paediatric cardiology landscape.

 

 According to the paediatric cardiologist, without this support, each family would have faced costs ranging between $5,000 and $6,000 per procedure amounts that are out of reach for many parents. “This initiative is truly changing lives because  it is heartbreaking for parents to be told that  their child has a heart condition but cannot receive treatment because of the cost, she said.

 

The visiting team lead from Qatar Charity, expressed their delight at the impact of the partnership. “Our mission at Qatar Charity is to ensure that no child is denied healthcare because of financial barriers. Seeing these children smile again after their procedures is the greatest reward. UGMC has been an exceptional partner, and together, we are making a long-term difference for Ghanaian families.”

 

Parents of the beneficiaries were full of gratitude. A mother who wished to remain anonymous, whose daughter underwent the procedure, shared tearfully: “I thought I was going to lose my child because we simply could not raise the money, today, she is healthy and full of life again. We are forever grateful to UGMC and Qatar Charity.” 

Another father who wished to remain anonymous added, “This is a blessing beyond words, the doctors gave my son a second chance and I cannot thank them enough.”

 

According to the CEO of UGMC, Dr Abdul- Samed Tanko, the project has not only saved lives but also strengthened the Centre’s systems, with improved patient selection, better coordination and efficient groundwork before the visiting team arrives. Each year brings lessons that make the interventions smoother and more impactful. Dr. Tanko, added that this milestone once again reiterates UGMC’s commitment to distinguish itself in the provision of world-itself and specialized healthcare in Ghana through partnerships with local and  international organizations.