Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, Senior Health Reporter
A BULAWAYO family is appealing for US$2 500 to enable their five-year-old daughter to undergo surgery for congenital heart disease in India.
The girl who is an ECD pupil at a local school, has two holes in her heart and doctors say she needs an urgent operation as she may suffer a heart attack anytime.
In Zimbabwe children with congenital heart diseases could only access lifesaving treatment in South Africa or India until recently when a paediatric cardiac centre was set up at Mpilo Central Hospital.
Although it is headed by one of the two paediatric cardiologists in Zimbabwe Dr Davidzo Murugo-Shumba, some surgeries still cannot be accessed locally due to lack of equipment as is the case for Mazvitaishe Mukwanda.
It is estimated that the services which are not accessible locally cost about US$10 000 excluding travel and accommodation costs.
A number of affected children have lost their lives in search of the services as charges are beyond the reach of ordinary Zimbabweans.
Only a handful secure sponsorship to travel to India and South Africa for medical care.
Sharing her ordeal with Chronicle yesterday, Mrs Memory Mukwanda said Mazvitaishe’s heart had always given her problems and the situation became worse in January when doctors recommended an urgent surgery.
“She was born with that condition and it affected her weight gain when she was younger although she is normal like every child.
At first doctors assumed that the holes in her heart would eventually close but in January this year we learnt that her heart is expanding hence the need for an urgent open heart operation.
We also consulted the specialists in Mpilo who said the operation cannot be done locally hence we ended up opting to go to Fortis Hospital in Mumbai, India,” said Mrs Mukwanda.
She said they got money for the surgery from PSMAS but since February, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has not yet released the funds to pay for the surgery.
“We are therefore appealing to well-wishers to help us with air tickets and accommodation which will cost a total of US$2 500,” said Mrs Mukwanda.
She said her wish was to have the surgery done during the April holiday.
“It is difficult to have a child with such a condition as people are quick to make suggestions.
However, I know that this surgery will help my daughter become normal and I hope that we will get the needed funds for our planned trip,” said Mrs Mukwanda.
The girl’s father is a teacher and they have no other means to raise the required US$2 500.
Those willing may reach Mrs Mukwanda on 0774000176 where she is also registered for EcoCash and are free to deposit any amount to ZB Bank Fife Street on account number: 4302327272200.
Mrs Mukwanda also has an FBC Robert Mugabe Branch account number 5333038020164825.
— @thamamoe
Online Reporter