daniel chigunwe
TOP MultiChoice DSTV channel, ZTN Prime, will make history this summer with the launch of Zimbabwe’s first TV medical reality series.
Titled ‘Heartbeat’, the intriguing series follows cardiothoracic surgeons at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals as they perform open heart surgery.
It takes viewers into the operating theatre and highly-specialised science of heart treatment and recovery.
So far, surgeons at the giant health facility have seen over 30 patients since June 2023.
The series hits the screen this November.
ZTN General Manager Nomsa Nkala said ‘Heartbeat’ celebrates the country’s highly-skilled cardiothoracic specialists and their life-transforming procedures.
“The station is excited to produce and broadcast this series as it is not only a first in local TV production: It also shows that Zimbabwe has loads of amazing spheres that make for great story-telling,” said Nkala.
“That open heart surgery is being conducted locally is an absolutely mind-blowing feat.
“And being able to film all procedures as they happen is special. What is more special is that ZTN Prime gets to share that experience with viewers.
“We aired a sneak peek episode sometime this year, and the feedback has been tremendous!”
ZTN Prime began filming the series in 2023.
Among the most fascinating cases include novel paediatric procedures and removal of a heart tumour.
Each episode features a particular patient — delving into their condition or defect. The production climaxes in theatre with never-before-seen footage of open heart surgery.
An interesting highlight is how surgeons stop the heart and then take over its functions using a heart-lung machine.
Cardiothoracic surgeons Drs Simukayi Machawira, Kudzai Kanyepi and Wilfred Muteweye are part of a wholly-Zimbabwean team conducting the operation.
Nkala said: “It is literally heart-warming to see the patient recover after surgery. Viewers will be part of that beautiful journey from one’s pre-surgical history to recovery.
“The team at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals is doing a marvellous job. Their story will be told through Heartbeat.”
The first case of open heart surgery in Zimbabwe was recorded in 1953 when British surgeons Drs N.J Micklem and CVS Wright successfully operated on a 15-year-old boy with a diseased pulmonary valve.
Latter procedures were philanthropic; conducted by United States-based Loma Linda University.
The team later roped in Zimbabwean medical practitioners, among them Drs David Chimuka and William Mahalu.
The surgery became sporadic as insufficient theatre supplies encumbered a sustained run.
In February 2023, Government advanced funds to resume the programme, and the first patient was treated on June 22 that year.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter