Monday, November 26, 2007

Note to Tanzania Hospitals: Check The LAST Name

A Tanzanian man who was mistakenly given a knee operation when he needed a brain tumor removed, died after finally having the operation he required. 19-year-old Emmanuel Mgaya died hours after the surgery, performed two weeks late.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Didas, 20, who underwent brain surgery while suffering from a obviously damaged knee, is now partially paralyzed as a result. The government has apologized for the horrible mix-up-- which has (incredibly) been blamed on both men having the same first name.

Didas, who cannot move his right side after the unnecessary brain surgery, told reporters at his bedside that he was able to eat his favorite 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 Didas to India for specialized treatment at the government's expense. Didas originally hurt his leg in a motorbike accident.

The family Emmanual Mgaya (the brain tumor victim) has said 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. But they have urged the health ministry to employ qualified and compassionate medical staff.

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