In commemoration of World Heart Day (29th September, 2014), Pyramid Pharma together with Medtronic Africa, were in support of Muhimbili National Hospital’s (MNH) cardiac programme. Their efforts are aimed at ensuring the availability of facilities for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Tanzania. This will lighten the burden on the government on cases referred abroad.
Dr Robert Mvungi, Head of Cardiac Department at MNH informed those present that the hospital would be embarking on research to ascertain the number of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases in the country. This will assist the government to plan and ensure the availability of resources to deal with cardiac cases.
Pyramid Pharma in partnership with Medtronic Africa, gave support in the form of Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) consumables, devices & cardiac supplies. These will aid in the Cath Lab procedures currently being carried out at the centre – angiogram, angioplasty and pacemaker insertions. Mrs Geetha Gokarn, Sales Manager at Pyramid Pharma was present to hand over the consumables to Dr Marina Njelekela, Executive Director at MNH. Mrs Gokarn stated that Pyramid Pharma & Medtronic Africa were honoured to be a part of this commemoration and supporting the efforts of Muhimbili National Hospital.
Dr Njelekela and the entire MNH team were delighted to receive such support and appreciated the contribution made by Pyramid Pharma & Medtronic Africa. She opened her speech by encouraging all to live heart healthy lives to reduce cardiovascular risk. She went on to give statistics on the number of cases performed at the Cath Lab. Since opening its doors to the public on the 23rd of June 2014, a total of 25 procedures have been performed successfully which includes temporary & permanent pacemaker insertions, coronary angiogram, peripheral angiogram and right and left catheterisation studies.
In closing, Dr Njelekela reiterated their appreciation for the support given by Pyramid Pharma & Medtronic Africa. She also urged the doctors to fully utilise the facilities and the consumables availed to help the people of Tanzania suffering from cardiovascular ailments. Dr Njelekela emphasised that MNH has pledged to continue supporting patients who cannot afford the expensive Cath Lab procedures.
