By Katie Knapp
Omaha, NE – A UNMC Cardiologist has returned to Omaha after a two and a half week medical mission to Bangladesh.
Dr. Edward O'Leary was part of the medical team that performed heart procedures, lectured and trained doctors. He says only about two to three percent of Bangladesh's citizens can afford medical care. A majority of people are poor and must sell their belongings to be able to pay for medical procedures.
Dr. O'Leary says one hospital the team visited was overwhelmed with cardiac patients. He says hospitals in Bangladesh have to re-use products for heart procedures, which leads to safety risks.
This was Dr. O'Leary's third trip to Bangladesh.