Dr.Joe donates medical equipment to reduce high burden of heart disease
Adazi-Nnukwu (Anambra), April 7: An Anambra-born Heart Surgeon, Dr Joe Nwiloh, has urged Nigerians to avail themselves of early detection of the heart-related diseases to save lives.
Nwiloh spoke while donating some medical equipment to a heart centre named after him, “The Joe Nwiloh Heart Centre” at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra.
He said the equipment worth more than 80, 000 U.S dollars were donated to reduce the burden of the poor rural dwellers seeking treatment for heart-related ailments.
The cardiologist, represented by Dr Eric Okoye of Juhel Pharmaceuticals at the presentation, said that Joe Nwiloh Heart Foundation donated the equipment to reduce the burden of heart-related diseases.
He said: “Statistics have shown that cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death after gastrointestinal, respiratory diseases and HIV/AIDS.
“This is because majority of patients needing this life-saving modern surgery do not have access to it due to poverty, and often die prematurely.
“The Foundation was founded to help tackle some of these societal challenges, lead advocacy for heart diseases prevention and improve patient’s access to high technological cardiovascular treatment in Nigeria and Africa.
“We have performed free heart surgeries to many indigent patients, and we are donating these medical equipment to extend the benefits to more people.”
Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, who took delivery of the medical equipment on behalf of the hospital, appreciated the foundation for its support.
Ezeokafor said the equipment would advance the treatment for cardiovascular diseases.
According to him, it will go a long way to alleviate the stress of going abroad for heart corrective surgery.
