Cardiothoracic surgical experience in Ghana.

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic surgery
• Public health in low-to-middle-income countries
• Healthcare systems in sub-Saharan Africa

Background:

• Cardiothoracic surgery in Ghana began in 1964 but faced significant challenges.
• A revival in 1989 led to the establishment of the National Cardiothoracic Centre.
• This initiative aimed to provide advanced cardiac and thoracic surgical care locally.

Approach:

• Review of the history and development of cardiothoracic surgery in Ghana.
• Analysis of the successes and challenges of the National Cardiothoracic Centre.
• Examination of the impact on patient care and medical tourism.

Key Points:

• Ghanaian cardiothoracic surgery has been sustained for over two decades by locally trained professionals.
• The National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC) has drastically reduced outbound medical travel for Ghanaians.
• The NCTC is a leading center in West Africa, offering services, training, and research.

Conclusions:

• Ghana's National Cardiothoracic Centre has transformed local and regional access to specialized surgical care.
• Despite resource limitations, the program demonstrates significant success and potential.
• The center is accredited as a center of excellence by the West African College of Surgeons.