TMR International Hospital Per...

In a defining moment for Uganda’s private healthcare sector, TMR International Hospital has achieved a major medical breakthrough by successfully conducting its first closed-heart operation — a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) ligation on a 9-month-old infant from Kagadi District.

This life-saving intervention, offered free of charge to the child’s family, marks a transformative step in TMR’s mission to advance specialized surgical care. It also signals the beginning of the hospital’s long-term commitment to developing a comprehensive cardiac program that serves patients across the region.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart anomaly in which a fetal blood vessel fails to close naturally after birth. When this channel remains open, it allows blood to circulate abnormally between the heart and lungs, straining both organs and potentially leading to serious complications such as heart failure or delayed growth.

Dr. Muhoozi Rwakaryebe, Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon and the lead specialist for the case, emphasized the importance of early intervention:

“Closing the duct early allows the child’s heart to function normally and prevents long-term complications like pneumonia or growth failure. This successful operation marks the beginning of a new chapter for TMR — one where such procedures become a standard part of our care portfolio.”

A Team Effort Fueled by Expertise

The procedure was carried out in TMR’s modern, fully equipped operating theatre by a multidisciplinary team of cardiovascular surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists, and critical care nurses.

Dr. Cornelius Ssendagire, Consultant Cardiac Anesthesiologist and Intensivist, who led the anesthesia team, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome:

“Being part of this milestone operation was truly rewarding. The child responded remarkably well and is now on the path to full recovery. We are grateful to everyone — from the surgical team to our partners — whose support made this possible.”

The surgery was made possible through a partnership between TMR Foundation and Upasuaji International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving surgical access across East Africa.

A Partnership that Brings Hope

Lynsay Balumuka, Executive Director of Upasuaji International, commended the collaboration and shared:

“This milestone demonstrates what strategic partnerships can achieve. Together with TMR, we are working to expand opportunities for children to access timely cardiac care. Our focus extends beyond a single success — we’re investing in building local capacity so that advanced surgeries become accessible to all who need them.”

For the family involved, the procedure was nothing short of life-changing. Ms. Monica Karungi, mother to the infant, expressed heartfelt appreciation:

“I had lost hope for my child’s survival, but TMR and Upasuaji gave us a second chance. Seeing my baby healthy again is something I’ll forever be thankful for.”

Building Capacity for the Future

Following this pioneering achievement, TMR has lined up additional cardiac surgeries as part of its broader plan to make advanced heart procedures routinely available.

Dr. Daniel M. Talemwa, Executive Director of TMR International Hospital, reflected on the larger vision:

“This accomplishment represents progress not only for TMR but for Uganda’s healthcare ecosystem. We value the Uganda Heart Institute’s remarkable contributions and aim to complement their work by expanding surgical capacity within the private sector. Our goal is to reduce patient backlogs and make life-saving cardiac care available faster and more affordably through collaboration and innovation.”

TMR’s pursuit of excellence is underpinned by its three internationally recognized certifications — ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety). These accreditations ensure that every service delivered meets global standards of quality, safety, and patient well-being.