Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Health Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S open heart surgery programme is set for a major transformation following the delivery of a brand-new heart-lung machine at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
The state-of-the-art S5 bypass machine, procured by the Government and received towards the end of last year, replaces an ageing unit that had been in use for nearly two decades.
Specialist cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Dr Simukai Machawira said the new equipment marks a turning point for cardiac care, as it is more efficient, reliable and less traumatic to patients’ blood during surgery.
Unlike the old machine, which was over 18 years old and prone to breakdowns that disrupted operations, the new six-pump system is expected to provide uninterrupted service for at least 10 years.
“This machine will help us perform our procedures better and more consistently,” he said.
The development is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s capacity to handle complex cardiac cases locally and restore momentum to the national open heart surgery programme.
