Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital Achieves Breakthrough for Rural Healthcare with Indigenous Open-Heart Surgery in Oraifite

The Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital (DIOMH) in Oraifite, Anambra State, has successfully performed its first open-heart surgery carried out by the hospital’s own medical team, with support from an all-Nigerian team within the country. While the first fully indigenous open-heart surgery in Nigeria was performed in April 2024, this achievement marks a significant milestone for DIOMH. It demonstrates growing national capacity for advanced cardiac care and strengthens access to life-saving procedures in underserved rural communities.

The patient, a 42-year-old nurse and mother of two from Aba, Abia State had been battling shortness of breath for nearly a year. Diagnosed with a rare heart tumor known as Left Atrial Myxoma, she underwent a successful surgical excision and has since been discharged in stable condition.

The landmark procedure was made possible through the continued support of the VOOM Foundation and the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation, both of which have been instrumental in building DIOMH’s capacity for advanced cardiac care. While the hospital has previously conducted over 140 open-heart surgeries during biannual medical missions with international collaboration, this marks a transition to open heart surgery led by DIOMH’s cardiac team.

The hospital’s cardiac team led by Cardiac Surgeons, Dr. Nwagboso and Dr. Arua were supported by indigenous cardiac professionals led by Prof. Bode Falase of Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). The composite 10-member team included Nigerian cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists, perfusionists, nurses, and a biomedical engineer. The success of this operation not only showcases the skills and commitment of Nigerian healthcare professionals but also sets the stage for year-round, locally led cardiac services.

“This marks a major milestone for our hospital and a new era for healthcare delivery in underserved parts of Nigeria” said Dr. Ahamba Kelechi, the Clinical Director at DIOMH. “We’re now equipping local medical professionals to carry out life-saving cardiac surgeries using fully Nigerian teams. This achievement shows that advanced procedures like open-heart surgery can be successfully performed by Nigerians, for Nigerians—right here in Oraifite.”

“This milestone reflects our team’s dedication and growing capacity to deliver complex procedures locally. Performing open-heart surgery at DIOMH is a powerful testament to what commitment and collaboration can achieve. I’m proud to be part of this important step forward in healthcare.” Faustina Njoku, Head Nurse at DIOMH.

With this achievement, DIOMH reaffirms its position as a center of cardiovascular excellence, committed to expanding access to quality specialist care across the country.