By Tina Amanda
The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) has recorded a major milestone in cardiac care through a partnership with the European-based Cardiovascular Education Foundation (CEF), focusing on electrophysiology and cardiac device implantation.
During the Hospital Special Grand Rounds, of the Cardiology Unit, a
team led by Neil Grubb, a heart specialist and cardiologist from Scotland, alongside Jagdeep Singh, a cardiologist and cardiac device implanter, has been training medical professionals at UPTH to establish an advanced pacemaker unit in Port Harcourt.
Grubb emphasized that the primary mission of the initiative is to train doctors, physiologists, and nurses in advanced cardiac techniques. He noted that many patients in Nigeria suffer from treatable heart conditions due to a lack of access to specialized care.
Grubb explained that “pacing” is a procedure used to treat patients with abnormally slow heart rhythms, without treatment, such conditions can cause fatigue, dizziness, blackouts, and even death. The procedure involves implanting an electronic pacemaker device under the skin, with wires connected to the heart, guided by electronic imaging.
However, the high cost of these devices poses a challenge. To address this, the team is repurposing single-use devices from UK hospitals that are still functional but would otherwise be discarded. These devices are sterilized and safely reused to benefit Nigerian patients at a minimal cost.
“They are quite costly. There is a lot of wastage in Western health care, so we are using some of the devices that cannot be reused in hospitals in the UK instead of throwing them away and wasting them. They can be used to the benefit of people in Nigeria.”
While the team has already treated twenty (20) patients, Grubb stressed that their primary focus is on training rather than just treatment.
“We are committed to leaving a lasting legacy by equipping Nigerian medical professionals with the skills to carry out these procedures independently.
“Dr. Emmanuel Edafe, a key member of the UPTH team, along with junior cardiologists and cardiac physiologists, is overseeing patient care and safety during procedures. The training program is expected to continue three to four times a year, with different specialists rotating to Port Harcourt.”
Grubb explained that some of the mission’s funding comes from volunteer work, while administrative costs are covered by the Cardiovascular Education Foundation in the U.S.
He reassured that clinical trials have proven the safety of these reused devices, and UPTH has the expertise to handle follow-ups, including annual battery checks via remote control systems.
Dr. Datonye Alasia, Chairman of UPTH’s Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), stated that the pacemaker project aligns with UPTH’s strategic plan to expand specialized medical services. He noted that pacing procedures typically cost around $20,000 (₦10 million), making access difficult for many Nigerians.
“To tackle this, UPTH is focusing on capacity building, collaboration, and resource mobilization. The initiative began in 2018 with a grant from the University of Michigan, during which seventy-seven (77) patients received treatment, making UPTH the largest center in West Africa for these procedures.
“It opened doors for more collaboration for the Cardiovascular Education Foundation and other partners.
“The program has gained recognition across Nigeria, attracting medical professionals and patients from different states. We had another mission this January 2025, UPTH continues to solidify its reputation as a specialist hub for advanced cardiac care.
In no distant time, it is expected that the Rivers State Government may soon support the establishment of a Cathlab (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory) at UPTH to further enhance heart disease treatment.
Meanwhile, a 29-year-old patient, Felicity Agore, has shared her experience as a beneficiary of the cardiac pacing procedure at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
Agore, who had suffered from palpitations for years, said she was referred to UPTH by her cardiologist after learning that a team of specialists was coming to Nigeria for the program.
“I was referred by my cardiologist to UPTH. He told my husband and me that specialists were coming into Nigeria for this program,” she said.
Following the successful procedure, Agore expressed relief, stating that after 12 years of relying on medication, she now feels significantly better.
“I have undergone the surgery, and I feel much better. For the past 12 years, I had been on medication, but since the procedure, I haven’t taken any drugs, and I can now walk longer distances,” she testified.
The cardiac pacing initiative at UPTH, in collaboration with the Cardiovascular Education Foundation, continues to transform lives, providing hope for patients with heart rhythm disorders in Nigeria.
Also Read:
Stop Relying on Global Funding, Partner Locally – Ameachi Urges CSOs