Source: The National,
By GRACE AUKA


GRAND Chief Sir Michael Somare says he is lucky to have survived a heart operation in Singapore last year.
He told his story while visiting heart patients at the Port Moresby General Hospital on Wednesday.
The visit was also to show his support for the annual Operation Open Heart programme.
Sir Michael thanked the programme which had allowed many to access the much-needed operation at home rather than going abroad which was costly.
He described his heart operation in Singapore as a rare experience because only a few people at his age survived it.
“Going through the operation has brought me to where I am. And this is a very good experience for me to come and visit these little ones,” he said
“According to the experts who conducted my operation, it is rare for people of my age group to go through such heart surgeries.
“The doctor that has operated more than 5,000 patients said very few patients survive, and I happened to be one of them.” Sir Michael had been involved in various fund-raising activities to send patients overseas for treatment.
He was happy that at least Papua New Guineans were able to get the much-needed operation locally.
He commended the PNG and Australian medical teams for working together in an amazing effort to save lives.
Sir Michael thanked the corporate sponsors and individuals for their continuous commitment and support of the OOH programme.