Duchess Hospital Saves Boy With A Rare Heart Surgery
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Duchess International Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, has successfully carried out a complex open-heart surgery on a five-year-old boy identified as ‘Master D’. The life-saving procedure, which took place over three days from May 19 to 21, lasted approximately 15 hours and involved a multidisciplinary team of medical experts.
The operation was led by DrMudasiru Salami, a distinguished consultant cardiothoracic and paediatric surgeonn, who confirmed the surgery’s success during a media briefing at the hospital. “I’m thrilled to announce that the surgery was a huge success, and Master D is on the road to recovery,” DrSalami stated. “Our team worked tirelessly to repair the defects in Master D’s heart, and it’s a reflection of our skill and dedication that he is making such a remarkable recovery.”
Master D was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot, a rare congenital heart condition characterised by four heart defects that disrupt normal blood flow. The severity of his condition posed serious risks to his health, but thanks to the precision and commitment of the hospital’s medical team, the young boy is now recovering well.
The surgical team was comprised of cardiac surgeons, anaesthetistss, perfusionists, and intensive care specialists. They repaired multiple heart abnormalities, including a hole in the ventricular septum, pulmonary artery stenosis, and right ventricular hypertrophy.
Key members of the medical team included DrSalami; DrBassey Udom, Cardiac Intensivist and Anaesthetist; DrOladele Ojo, Medical Director; MrsAdeola Lawal, ICU & CCU Team Lead; and Mr Ayomide Ajani, Centre Manager, Cardiac Theatres and Endoscopy.
Dr Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey, Chief Executive Officer of Duchess International Hospital, praised the team’s efforts, saying, “This success reflects our mission to deliver world-class medical care. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of medical excellence and are proud of our team’s achievements.”
The patient’s parents, Mr Ademola and Mrs Olutope Adetona, expressed profound gratitude to the hospital. “We are incredibly thankful to God and the entire medical team for their expertise and care,” said Mrs Adetona, visibly emotional. “They have given us hope and saved our son’s life. We can’t thank them enough.”
This milestone underscores Duchess International Hospital’s growing reputation as a leader in advanced medical care in Nigeria, supported by its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to global healthcare standards.
Federal Government to Commission Cancer Centers Across Nigeria
In a separate health development, the Federal Government has announced the completion of three new oncology centers set to be commissioned on May 29, as part of a broader initiative to strengthen cancer care across Nigeria.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, revealed that these centers—located at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina; the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka; and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital—are part of the largest oncology and diagnostic network in West Africa.
“This is the most significant investment any Nigerian administration has ever made in cancer care,” said Prof. Pate. “The facilities will cater to nearly 2,000 oncology patients and 350,000 diagnostic clients annually while training up to 500 clinicians over the next three years.”
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Preparations are underway as key medical personnel undergo training in South Africa to ensure seamless operation upon inauguration. Additionally, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has introduced a cost-sharing initiative to make cancer treatment more accessible. Eligible patients undergoing radiotherapy can receive subsidies of up to ₦400,000 to alleviate financial burdens.
“These developments are in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at removing both supply and demand barriers to affordable, quality healthcare in Nigeria,” Pate concluded.
Together, these advancements reflect Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system and expanding access to life-saving treatments for its citizens.
Content Credit | Ohidah Feranmi
Image Credit | thisdaylive.com
