288 Views Posted on 17-Nov-2010 under Health

Astrazeneca, world's leading pharmaceutical companies, operating in Ghana and other sub-Saharan Africa countries, launched Nexium IV that cures Peptic Ulcer Bleeding, in Accra. Professor Rudolf Darko, a consultant surgeon and former head of Department of Surgery Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), chaired the event that attracted over 300 doctors, nurses and pharmacists from all over the country.

He said that Peptic Ulcer Bleed (PUB) (Bleeding in the Upper part of the GIT) was a major medical challenge that causes high mortality. Prof. Darko said PUB accounts for over 10,000 to 20,000 death each year in the U.S. alone and the trend was not too different across the world. Dr. Mary Afihene, a senior physician specialist at the Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, said that in Ghana, untreated Peptic ulcer, prolonged inappropriate use of pain medications, steroids, trauma and caused bleeding in the GIT. Dr. Adu Aryee, consultant surgeon at KBTH, said medical and surgical interventions could minimize complications or death.