These included electrocardiogram, digital retina camera and ABI system.

They were a gift from the Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute and the Guangdong General Hospital of the People’s Republic of China. The equipment were handed over at a ceremony in Kumasi by Professor Lin Chunying, a Consultant Cardiologist, who has been leading a team of cardiologists and cardiac nurses to treat patients with various cardiovascular conditions – performing advance surgeries on some of them.

This is being done under the Sino-Ghana Cardio Cooperation Programme, which seeks to promote collaborative cardiovascular research, training and treatment in Ghana.

The Chinese team has over the past three years been offering capacity building and training to local cardiologists and supported the cardiology unit of KATH to conduct a novelty research on cardiovascular risk assessment and target organ damage.

Prof Lin said the items were going to aid continuous treatment of patients and the training of local cardiologists. Dr. Isaac Kofi Owusu, Consultant Cardiologist at KATH, thanked the Chinese for the assistance. He pointed out that the burden of cardiovascular conditions was becoming huge, especially, among young people in the country and highlighted the urgent need for effective measures to tackle the situation.

He called for the people to change their lifestyles and ensure regular physical exercises, good and appropriate eating habits, and less salt intake to reduce the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases.