Accordingly Bibiche Tshibola Makolo, a 39 year old woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), came to Fortis Hospital in Bengaluru in February, looking for a doctor who could perform an open heart surgery that she required. Meanwhile Bibiche belongs to the Jehovah’s Witness faith, which does not allow for followers to undergo blood transfusions.
Dr Murali Chakravarthy, Director, Department of Anaesthesia, Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru “We have done bloodless surgeries several times before and are familiar with the process. Many patients of this faith come to us and require us to take them up for bloodless surgeries”. Furthermore he went on to explain that several patients who come from this particular religious background often seek out doctors experienced with bloodless surgeries so that they are able to avail treatment while holding onto their faith.
Moreover following the procedure, she was started on several medications to help maintain her haemoglobin levels, among other things. Also a month after the surgery, she is back at home in DRC and is doing well.
