Four years old needs help to undergo Heart Surgery

Bolgatanga, April 11, GNA - Four year old Wepare Ayigoni, from Chiana in the Upper East Region who was born with a heart disease has appealed to the public to assist him to undergo surgical operation at the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle-Bu.

The surgical operation, which according to doctors would be in two phases would cost GH¢ 35,000 The heart condition according to the experts is called “Tetralogy of Fallot”.

Dr John Koku Awoonor –Williams, Upper East Regional Director of Health Service, speaking at a stakeholders' meeting with staff of the Health Service and the Media to see how to raise the money for the operation, explained that the kind of heart disease the boy was suffering from normally makes it difficult for the free flow of blood and oxygen into the whole body system which could lead to systematic failure if not handled in time.

Dr Awoonor- Williams issued a personal cheque of GH¢ 3,500 to the National Cardiothoracic Centre for the first phase of the operation.

He said he had on three occasions facilitated assisted the boy and his father to seek for pre- medical treatment at the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle-Bu.

The Staff of the Regional Health Directorate, who were touched by the plight of the boy also contributed GH¢ 6,750 towards the operation.

Dr Awoonor-Williams noted that there were many children with similar diseases in the Region, who were in need of surgical operations and suggested the setting up of a Heart Foundation Fund for such cases to be supported through surgical operations.

The stakeholders called on corporate bodies, the Regional Coordinating Council, Philanthropists and Individuals to contribute towards the treatment of the boy.

Mr Joseph Akipa, the father of Wepare said, the poor health condition of the boy makes it almost impossible to attend school.

He thanked the Regional Director and well wishers for their support and appealed to the public to help his son to undergo the surgery.

GNA