Volunteer surgeons treat Samoans

Thirteen Samoans have undergone heart surgery by a team of health professional volunteers from New Zealand.

A team of 55, including surgeons, anesthetists, technical and support staff, is now returning after offering heart surgery to people in need.

The General Manger of Samoa's National Health Services Palanitina Tupuimatagi Toelupe said Samoa had limited resources and lacked the medical expertise for such operations.

She said patients were selected depending on how long they had been on the waiting list.

"People have been very grateful and we are very very grateful with the expert assistance through this mission and the patients are doing well, except for one that was critically ill but coming through.

And we can't say any more than thank you. It has been very good."

Palanitina Tupuimatagi Toelupe said some members of the medical team would stay in Samoa for a bit longer to focus on post-operative care for the patients.

   
Source: Radio New Zealand