THE Ministry of Health will be sending 11 children with life-threatening cardiac problems to Dominica for surgery, as a result of a collaborative effort among the Calgary University, Baby Heart (an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and the ministry.

This decision was made after a team from Calgary University visited and conducted screening for cardiac related illnesses. The children were chosen from among many diagnosed during this process due to the seriousness of their cases.
Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, at a meeting with the children and their families, highlighted that the ministry, along with its two partners, will be financing the surgeries.
He added that the ministry will aid the parents in obtaining their passports, but they will have to undergo the process of acquiring visas.
He also acknowledged that representatives of the three collaborating organisations will be conducting post-surgery checks upon the return of the children. Surgeries are expected to begin on January 20, 2014.
The minister noted that under this programme, within the time-frame of one year, eight physicians were trained. These doctors are now able to identify the cardiac conditions of patients, locally.
Also working along with Dr Kishan Narine of Calgary University is Professor Debra Issacs, both of whom have aided with cardiac issues in a great way, the minister said.
Minister Ramsaran said they are also offering assistance in other areas such as the setting up of a chronic disease centre. (GINA)