The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), in partnership with Qatar Charity, has successfully concluded its third annual congenital cardiac catheterization project, providing life-saving interventions to 40 patients—most of them children—suffering from complex congenital heart defects. The
week-long mission, which ran from August 17 to August 24, 2025, focused on treating conditions such as Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), and Pulmonary Stenosis (PS), collectively known as “hole-in-heart” diseases. Left untreated, these conditions can be fatal, but through advanced cardiac catheterization techniques, the medical team was able to correct them without resorting to open-heart surgery, significantly reducing recovery times and procedural risks.
This initiative represents the latest milestone in a growing collaboration between UGMC and Qatar Charity, which aims not only to treat patients but also to strengthen Ghana’s capacity for high-level cardiac care.
“ Beyond the 40 lives immediately saved, the most significant long-term impact is the transfer of skills. Having our local team receive direct, hands-on experience and training from world-class specialists is invaluable. This is crucial for building a sustainable, high-level cardiac care programme here in Ghana ”
The visiting medical team was led by Professor Mohammad Tawfiq Numan of Texas University, a renowned interventional cardiologist, who praised the seamless cooperation between the two organisations. “The success of this mission is a testament to true collaboration. The support, professionalism, and dedication from the entire UGMC team were exceptional,” he said, adding, “We must also reiterate our profound thanks to Qatar Charity Ghana, whose vision and unwavering support make these life-changing missions possible. Together, we are not just fixing hearts; we are building hope and a healthier future”.
Professor Nana-Akyaa Yao, who played a central role in operations and planning within UGMC’s side of the collaboration, attributed the mission’s success to a shared commitment to saving lives. She extended her gratitude to the visiting professionals and to UGMC’s staff for their expertise and support, which ensured the smooth execution of the complex procedures.
From the perspective of Qatar Charity, the mission was equally significant. Country Director Hasan Owda thanked “the Almighty Allah for another successful programme” that brought advanced cardiac interventions to 40 Ghanaian patients. He commended the specialists for their dedication and UGMC for providing a conducive environment for the project’s success. Owda reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the continuity of the programme, pledging to keep impacting lives in Ghana through sustained collaboration.
UGMC, a state-of-the-art quaternary medical and research facility in Accra, has positioned itself as a hub for world-class patient care, professional training, and innovative research to meet the health needs of Ghana and the wider sub-region. Hosting this third annual cardiac mission not only underscores its role in delivering specialised care but also highlights the importance of international partnerships in bridging gaps in local healthcare capacity.
The successful completion of this year’s project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when global expertise, local commitment, and humanitarian vision converge. For the 40 patients whose lives were transformed, and for the Ghanaian clinicians who gained invaluable skills, the mission’s impact will resonate far beyond the week it took place—laying the groundwork for a stronger, more self-reliant cardiac care system in the years to come.
Source: UGMC and Qatar Charity conclude successful Cardiac mission | Ghana News Agency
