The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Introduces VSD Surgery Week for Life-Changing Operations
GLM TEAM 
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) is proud to announce the second instalment of a transformative healthcare initiative, VSD WEEK, a dedicated campaign aimed at fast-tracking life-saving surgeries for children with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). This follows the success of the inaugural VSD Week, held in May 2024
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Previous highly successful supported by Momentum Health, this ambitious program underscores NMCH’s commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs and reducing surgical backlogs in the public healthcare system.
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Ventricular Septal Defect is a congenital heart condition characterized by a hole between the left and right ventricles of the heart. This defect can lead to severe complications, including abnormal blood flow, significant strain on the heart, pulmonary hypertension, recurrent lung infections, and poor weight gain. If left untreated, VSD can have life-threatening consequences, particularly for young children whose bodies are still developing.
The launch of this second VSD WEEK comes at a critical time, as many children have been on extensive waiting lists within the state healthcare system. These delays, often spanning years, put young lives at risk and place immense stress on families.
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NMCH Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. Sharmel Bhika, emphasizes the urgency: “Every moment counts when it comes to treating VSD. Through this intensive week-long campaign, we aim to give these children the chance at a healthy life they so desperately need and deserve.”
This September’s VSD WEEK builds upon the success of the initial initiative held in May 2024, during which NMCH, with support from Momentum Health, performed 12 VSD surgeries over six days. The impact of that effort was profound, not only for the patients and their families but also for the healthcare system as a whole. Bhika notes, “By addressing these cases promptly, we’re not just saving lives today; we’re reducing the long-term burden on our healthcare infrastructure by preventing repeated hospitalizations for these children.”
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Each VSD surgery is a complex procedure requiring 90 minutes to 2 hours of surgical time, 1-2 hours for anesthesia, a total of up to 4 hours in the operating theatre, and 1-2 days of post-operative care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The success of these surgeries depends on a large, coordinated team of medical professionals, including cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, ICU physicians, perfusionists, and specialized nursing staff.
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VSD WEEK is made possible by the extraordinary commitment of the entire NMCH staff. From extended operating hours to increased support services, every department is going above and beyond to ensure the success of this initiative. This includes surgical teams working extended hours, ICU staff providing round-the-clock care, pharmacy ensuring adequate supplies of critical medications and consumables, Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) working overtime to prepare surgical instruments, and cleaning and support staff maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and efficiency.
Despite the lack of additional funding, NMCH is committed to covering the costs associated with VSD WEEK. Each surgery costs approximately R60, 000 in theatre consumables alone, with additional expenses for ICU care and other hospital services. “We understand the financial challenges, but we believe in the importance of this initiative,” said Bhika. “These surgeries are life-changing, and we cannot allow funding constraints to delay care any further.”
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Beyond the immediate benefits to patients, VSD WEEK serves as a platform to raise awareness about pediatric cardiothoracic services and highlight NMCH’s unique role as a hybrid institution bridging private and public healthcare sectors. Bhika emphasizes, “Our goal extends beyond this week. We aim to inspire greater support for pediatric healthcare initiatives, both in terms of funding and awareness, to ensure that every child has access to the care they need.”
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The public is encouraged to follow NMCH’s work and support the hospital’s initiatives. Updates on VSD WEEK and future programs will be shared on the following social media platforms: Instagram (@nmch), Twitter (@NMCH), and Facebook (@NelsonMandelaChildren’sHospital). NMCH welcomes media coverage of this important initiative to help raise awareness of pediatric cardiac care needs in South Africa and beyond.
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