Heart disease and other non-communicable diseases are high on the agenda for the G20 Summit, according to health minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
Speaking at the KwaZulu-Natal Doctors Healthcare Coalition (KZNDHC) annual conference in Durban this weekend, the minister said while countries have managed to eliminate infectious diseases, they continue to grapple with non-communicable conditions such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, primarily due to lifestyle choices. These will be discussed at the ministerial health working group in November.
He said addressing these chronic conditions is crucial to preparing for future outbreaks and effectively managing the National Health Insurance.
Motsoaledi said: “The South African health-care system must be prepared for a future pandemic and work towards prevention.”
He underscored the necessity of passing the Tobacco Bill, noting that almost any condition — be it cardiovascular diseases or chronic respiratory diseases — are often worsened by smoking.
KZNDHC chairperson Prof Morgan Chetty said: “The health-care industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Challenges in Africa include non-communicable diseases, which account for 37% of deaths.”
Chetty said while lifestyle choices are imperative, he advocated for a more digital, patient-centric and data-driven industry, incorporating AI-powered remote monitoring and personalised care to boost the health-care sector.
He said the event also recognised medical practitioners who made outstanding contributions to the profession, many with the use of technology.
Among these were specialists at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre who received top honours for having the only Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) programme in Africa accredited by the American College of Cardiology.
This accreditation allows patients with multiple health conditions or those deemed too high-risk for open-heart surgery to opt for a TAVI at the hospital.
The development represents a significant advancement in the treatment of heart disease in South Africa.
Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, head of social impact at Lenmed, said: “The TAVI programme led by doctors Shiraz Gafoor and Ismail Soosiwala reflects exceptional dedication, precision, and collaboration. This solidifies the hospital’s position as a leader in cardiac care, providing hope and healing to patients in need.
“These cardiac specialists had to demonstrate their ability to meet rigorous standards for multidisciplinary teams, formal training, shared decision-making and registry performance. Being acknowledged by the American College of Cardiology indicates outstanding expertise among our cardiology specialists,” he said.
“A TAVI involves inserting a new valve via a catheter, typically through the femoral artery in the groin, and guiding it to the heart to be placed over the narrowed or blocked aortic valve to restore proper blood circulation,” Gafoor said.
“A team of doctors is required, and patient selection, among other factors, is crucial.”
The implant treatment for aortic stenosis can significantly improve the quality of life for the patient, Soosiwala said.
Hospital CEO Niresh Bechan said the certification was awarded to the hospital in February as part of their commitment to advancing patient care with innovative treatments and technology.
Other award winners were:
- Dr William Mapham, founder of the Vula App, a pioneering platform linking primary health-care workers in rural settings to specialist doctors;
- dermatologist Prof Ncoza Dlova, dean and the first African woman head at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Clinical Medicine; and
- GP Dr Unben Pillay, CEO of the Independent Practitioners Association Foundation.
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