Cardiac surgery "pulls the medical system up" in Burkina Faso, cardiovascular surgeon Adama Sawadogo, who participated in the country's first triple coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, told Sputnik Africa.
"This is an opportunity to showcase Burkina Faso's medical progress. Despite many difficulties, we are able to perform cardiac surgery. It is a sign of vitality," the surgeon said.
This year alone, the Tengandogo University Hospital, where the CABG surgery took place, performed approximately 115 open-heart surgeries and 17 closed-heart procedures, the doctor noted.
He also welcomed the construction of the future Ouagadougou Heart Institute, which will provide treatment, training, and heart disease prevention programs.
"The president of Burkina Faso responded to our call. Within five years, we can envision hundreds, even thousands, of heart patients being treated in Burkina Faso, whether for conventional cardiology, interventional cardiology or cardiac surgery," Sawadogo said.
To further support the growth of cardiac surgery in the country, the doctor advocated for:
Implementing a more robust social security system;
Subsidizing surgical procedures;
Reducing the cost of importing cardiovascular surgical supplies.