Friday, November 23, 2007

Tanzania surgery mix-up man dies

The Tanzanian man who had a knee operation when he had a tumour in his brain, has died after finally having the operation he required.

Emmanuel Mgaya, 19, died hours after the surgery, performed two weeks late.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Didas, 20, who had brain surgery although his complaint was in the knee, is slowly recovering but he remains partially paralysed.

The government has apologised for the mix-up, which has been blamed on both men having the same first name.

Mr Didas cannot move his right side following the unnecessary operation.

He told the BBC in hospital that he was able to eat his favourite food again - maize meal with fish and vegetables.

Health Minister David Mwakyusa said a commission has been set up to investigate the saga and pledged to send Mr Didas to India for specialised treatment.

He originally hurt his leg in a motorbike accident.

No lawsuit

Mr Mgaya was also due to have treatment in India but died before this was possible.

He spent four days at the Muhimbili hospital's intensive care unit Dar es Salaam but his condition got worse on Thursday.

He was operated on but died several hours later.

His family say they are not planning to sue the government - they always knew he only had a 50% chance of survival, as the tumour had grown so large.

He first sought medical treatment, complaining of migraines.

But they have urged the health ministry to employ qualified and compassionate medical staff.

No comments: