QRCS team treats children with heart problems in Bangladesh

Qatar Red Crescent Society’s (QRCS) medical mission in Bangladesh has performed catheterisation operations for 25 children with congenital heart problems as part of the 11th version of its annual “Little Hearts” programme.
The cases operated varied from holes in the atrium, ventricle, or artery to aortic stenosis, according to QRCS in a statement.
Following the procedure, the patients are kept under observation for 24 hours. When the post-operation health stability is ensured, these children will be released from the hospital.
Before discharging them, the children will receive gifts and toys from QRCS.
Many cases, which were not included in the pre-assessment study, came to the hospital to seek medical treatment for their
children.
The team examined 15 registered patients to make sure they are physically fit to undergo the procedure in the coming days.
Ahmed Ali al-Khulaifi, head of QRCS delegation, visited the Qatar embassy in Bangladesh to thank Qatari ambassador to Dhaka, Ahmed M al-Dehaimi, for his efforts to facilitate the work of QRCS’s mission.
The envoy said the embassy is always ready to offer all forms of support in service of Qatari subjects and organisations.
He also commended the work done by QRCS to alleviate the suffering of
patients in Bangladesh.
“The achievements of QRCS are not new for me, as I had already been involved in some of its projects while undertaking several diplomatic portfolios in different countries,” he said.
Dr Mahmoud al-Soufi, paediatric cardiac consultant and member of the medical mission, said: “Every day, we receive increasing numbers of patients, who are examined and if possible, added to the adopted patient checklist.”
“Our goal is to cover as many patients as we can throughout the project
duration,” he stressed.
Dr al-Soufi added that most of the patients had lower-than-normal weights due to the congenital heart defects and malnutrition, which in itself is a challenge.
Associated professor Dr ABM Abdus-Salam, director, paediatric cardiology department, said: “I am surprised by the perfect preparation of the project by QRCS personnel. I would like to thank everyone involved in this noble work to save the lives of those young children.”