Private hospital performs 1st ever kidney transplant in Namibia
Xinhua, April 1, 2016 Adjust font size:
A Namibian private hospital at Ongwediva in the north of the country about 700 km from the capital has made history by performing the first kidney transplant.
Ongwediva MediPark Hospital announced Thursday that they successfully carried out the operation on Bernhard Maswahu, 59.
The kidney was donated by Maswahu's 20-year-old son, Muhinda.
Although the operation was done on Tuesday, the hospital announced the news Thursday at a press conference held at Ongwediva and attended by the health minister Bernhard Haufiku.
The hospital's managing director, Tshali Iithete, said the operation was a historic milestone for both the hospital and the country's health sector.
Iithete also said the team that carried out the operation was supervised by South African transplant experts supported by resident surgeons.
According to Iithete, it took them 15 months to prepare for the transplant after Maswahu's prolonged affliction with kidney problems.
He said both the donor and the beneficiary were responding well to treatment.
"I am sure that they will be out soon and tell about their joy, especially the father," he told the press conference. Endit