In a historic partnership that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of cardiac care in the Southeast and South-South regions, Regions Healthcare, a major cardiac unit offering access to cardiac surgery, joined forces with the Save-a-Heart Foundation to conduct a charity mission like no other. The mission, which extended a lifeline to adults and children, predominantly focused on providing critical cardiac care to the youngest hearts.
Regions Healthcare Hospitals and Specialist Clinics is a consortium of healthcare professionals who have established state-of-the-art medical facilities and clinics located in Mgbirichi town, Owerri, Imo State. It offers tertiary care in Neurosciences, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic and Open-heart surgeries, Kidney and Renal diseases, Diabetes, Rheumatology, and other sub-specialties of medicine, under the leadership of the Executive Medical Director, Dr. Benjamin Anyanwu, a diaspora-trained healthcare professional with many years of service in both the private and public sectors.
The collaborative team for this monumental mission was nothing short of an international dream team. It included cardiothoracic surgeons, Dr. Nzewi OC, and Dr. Vijay Agarwal. To ensure that each surgery was executed flawlessly, the team comprised two perfusionists from the Middle East, three dedicated anesthesiologists, experienced cardiologists, and a cadre of dedicated doctors and nurses. Their combined skills and unwavering commitment to the cause were the driving force behind the success of this mission.
This initiative was a beacon of hope for those who, under ordinary circumstances, might have been denied access to such crucial medical care. Regions Healthcare demonstrated its profound commitment to social responsibility by generously reducing the cost of these life-saving surgeries by an astounding 75%. This act of compassion recognized the economic challenges faced by many and ensured that financial constraints would not stand in the way of saving lives.
The charity mission, which commenced on the 23rd of October 2023 and concluded on the 31st of October 2023, was nothing short of a remarkable journey. During these eight days, the team successfully performed surgeries on a total of 11 patients, comprising 7 pediatric cases and 4 adults. This is not just an achievement; it’s a testament to the extraordinary dedication and skill of the medical professionals involved. In fact, it stands as the largest number of pediatric open-heart surgeries ever conducted at a single time in the history of our country.
The success of this mission serves as a resounding echo of what can be achieved when compassion, expertise, and a shared vision come together. Regions Healthcare and the Save-a-Heart Foundation have set a new standard for collaborative medical missions, reminding us all of the power of unity in the face of formidable challenges.
The nation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable team of doctors, nurses, and all who made this mission possible. Your selfless dedication to saving lives has not only transformed the medical landscape but has also offered hope to countless families. May this extraordinary mission inspire future endeavors, ensuring that accessible healthcare remains a fundamental right for all our citizens.
