Operation open heart launched

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Wednesday, May 11, 2011

By VERONICA FRANCIS
SAVING a life puts a smile on one’s face and it should be everyone’s responsibility to step up and raise their hands to a worthy cause, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop said.
Launching the 2011 Operation Open Heart (OOH) last week at Port Moresby’s Ela Beach Hotel, Parkop said: “We should make a difference in the lives of PNG children who need a second chance and take this opportunity to help train our doctors and nurses to specialise.
“Rather than dwelling on the monetary costs of such an operation, let us  consider the cost in avoidable human deaths if we did not do what we are doing in this programme.”
The launch of 2011 OOH saw pledges of more than K400,000 from business houses, individuals and families.
The programme, which brings heart specialists from Australia to work with local doctors and nurses, has saved 780 lives in 16 years.
Sister Carol Hosea, who is involved with the programme, said it was very good to see lives being saved and knowledge and skills being passed on.
She said there was a shortage of blood and urged people to donate blood for the programme.
“Your blood donation will go a long way in saving someone’s life; we need your help,” she said.
During the launch, Parkop pledged K20,000, the National Gaming and Control Board pledged K50,000, the Central Bank donated a mint condition sheet of 35 uncut K100 notes which was auctioned to Barry Tan for K15,000 and a biography of the late Sir Brian Bell, which was signed by Parkop, Sir Puka Temu and Dame Carol Kidu, was auctioned for K700. 
Justin Tkatchenko and the PNG Orchid Society sponsored the appearance of Andrew Sisters, a cabaret act of three sisters from America.
The group will perform to help raise money for the programme.
Heart operations are tentatively scheduled from July 30 to Aug 18.
Those willing to  donate blood to support the programme can call 325 6897 to make an appointment.