As part of a successful cardiac operation performed on Reneilwe Lekaba on 28 June, 2023, at the Job Shimankana Tabane hospital in Rustenburg, in the North West, the doctors say they have always assisted patients with cardiac problems and stressed that this is the province’s first operation involving a public hospital.
It follows the first ever catheterisation procedure done by a medical team in Rustenburg in the North West Province, where a patient was successfully treated for a congenital cardiac condition called Atrial Septal Defect, (ASD) in the catheterisation lab by applying a percutaneous technique to close the defect.
The doctors explain that an ASD occurs when blood mixes between two chambers of the heart, and if not treated in time, can lead to serious complications.
MEC of Health for the North West, Madoda Sambatha, visited the hospital on Thursday, 29 June, 2023, to monitor the patient’s recovery and to congratulate the medical team.
A proud Sambatha wished the team well and encouraged them to continue performing well so that the Province remains on the map. Mmusikgosi Mogwera, a cardiologist, described the atmosphere during the operation as overwhelming, saying that everyone was excited but sweating simultaneously.
He said the operation wasn’t easy, but they’re grateful that everything went well since they’re used to this kind of work. Mogwera said he is fortunate to have such a team.
Dr Kabelo Raphala, another team member, praised Dr Mogwera’s leadership, saying it was his vision and he just had to support it. Each year, the team attends to more than 60 acute heart attacks.
The patient’s mother, Motshidisi Lekaba, expressed gratitude for her daughter’s recovery and congratulated the medical staff who carried out the procedure for a job well done.
This is the first operation of its kind to be performed at a public hospital.
