In a groundbreaking medical achievement, the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) has successfully implanted pacemakers in nine patients, giving them a second chance at life. This remarkable feat was made possible through a collaborative efforts between the hospital and Mount Carmel Hospital in the United States.
The pacemaker implantation procedure, which typically costs over $5,000, was provided free of charge to the patients, who were suffering from a condition known as complete heart block.
This condition causes the heart to beat at a slow rate, putting the patients at risk of serious complications, including death.
According to Dr. Abdul Subul Yakubu, a cardiologist at TTH, who led the team of medical professionals, the patients were carefully selected and underwent thorough evaluation before the procedure.
“These patients would have otherwise been unable to afford the device on their own,” Dr. Yakubu explained.
“Thanks to our cooperation with Dr. Addo and his team from Mount Carmel Hospital, we were able to supply the pacemakers to them for free.”
The successful implantation of pacemakers in 9 patients is a significant milestone for TTH, and a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to its patients.
The procedure was made possible through a team effort involving local staff and experts from the United States.
Dr. Yakubu expressed his gratitude to the team, including Dr. Addo and his team from Mount Carmel Hospital, for their support and expertise.
Pacemakers are designed to provide long-term support for individuals with irregular heartbeats.
The device’s longevity depends on various factors, including usage and individual factors.
On average, a pacemaker can last for at least 10 years.
However, the actual lifespan may vary depending on how frequently the device is used.
Dr. Yakubu emphasized the importance of regular check-ups and monitoring to ensure the device functions optimally and to identify potential issues before they become major concerns.
“Individuals with pacemakers will require the device for the rest of their lives,” he noted.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
