2025 marks the sixth anniversary of Melomed Richards Bay’s Cardiac Centre of Excellence – the first of its kind in Northern Zululand. Since its opening in 2018, the Centre has transformed cardiac care in the region, saving countless lives and ensuring that world-class treatment is available right here at home.

From advanced diagnostics and emergency interventions to intricate surgical procedures, the Centre continues to lead with innovation, compassion, and excellence. What once required patients to travel long distances is now accessible within Zululand, ensuring quicker treatment during the “golden hour” and better outcomes for patients.

This milestone is not just a celebration of advanced facilities, but also of the dedicated specialists, nursing teams, and the Zululand community, who have embraced Melomed Richards Bay as their partner in heart health.

Six Years of Saving Lives – A Message from the Hospital Manager

Randal Pedro, Hospital Manager

As the Melomed Cardiac Centre of Excellence marks six years of service, Hospital Manager Randal Pedro reflects on a journey built on dedication, expertise, and community trust.

“From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to bring world-class cardiac care to the people of Zululand, right here in Richards Bay,” says Pedro. “This milestone is a tribute to the tireless efforts of our doctors, nurses, and staff, whose professionalism and compassion have made the centre what it is today.”

He is equally grateful to the community for their role in the centre’s success. “The support and trust of the people we serve has been the foundation of our growth. Together, we have created a healthcare hub that is saving lives and improving quality of life every single day.”

Looking ahead, Pedro is optimistic: “Our commitment is to keep advancing and embracing new technology, expanding our expertise, and strengthening our ability to deliver excellence. Most importantly, we will continue to serve with humility and compassion.”

Six years on, the Melomed Cardiac Centre of Excellence stands as a beacon of hope and healing in Zululand and the journey is only just beginning.

Excellence in Cardiac Surgery – Dr Ramghulam on changing lives

Dr Sherwin Ramghulam (Cardiothoracic Surgeon)
035 772 1789 | ctsurgeonmrb@gmail.com
Suite 106, 1st floor, Melomed Richards Bay

Dr Sherwin Ramghulam reflects on the impact of the Centre over the past six years: “I am proud to be part of a team that provides comprehensive, advanced surgical care to the people of Zululand. From lifesaving bypass surgeries to complex valve replacements, we are able to deliver care that previously required patients to travel far beyond our region. Melomed Richards Bay continues to invest in state-of-the-art technology, such as advanced imaging and surgical tools, which enable us to perform with precision and improve patient outcomes. Our goal remains simple: to provide safe, effective, and compassionate cardiac surgery, and to give patients the gift of more years with their loved ones.”

Transforming Heart Care in Zululand

Dr Lifa Dhlamini, Interventional Cardiologist
035 791 536 | admin@dridhlamini.co.za
Suite 102, 1st floor Melomed Richards Bay

One of the most remarkable advances in modern cardiology has been the development of minimally invasive procedures – with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) at the forefront.

“For decades, patients with severe aortic stenosis could only be treated through open-heart surgery a major operation that carried high risks, especially for the elderly. Many were left without options. TAVI changed that,” explains Dr Lifa Dhlamini, Interventional Cardiologist at Melomed Private Hospital.

With TAVI, a new aortic valve is inserted through a small catheter, usually via the groin, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery. The results have been life-changing:

• Expanded treatment options for patients once considered inoperable.
• Faster recovery, with shorter hospital stays and less invasive procedures.
• Improved quality of life, as patients regain independence and relief from symptoms.

“This breakthrough has opened the door to other transcatheter procedures, making cardiology more accessible than ever,” adds Dr Dhlamini.

A Message to the Community

“I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving the people of Zululand and KwaZulu-Natal,” says Dr Dhlamini. “Our mission is to provide world-class heart care close to home. This service is much needed in the region, and we are proud to bring advanced treatments to our patients, with the hope of growing alongside new technology.”

Why a Cardiac Centre Matters

Having a dedicated cardiac centre in Zululand it can mean means far more than convenience the difference between life and death.

“In heart attacks, we often say ‘time is muscle,” notes Dr Dhlamini. “Immediate access to specialised facilities can save lives.”

Key benefits of a specialised centre include:

• Faster treatment: Immediate access to diagnostic tools and catheterisation labs for life-saving interventions such as PCI (angioplasty).
• Specialised expertise: A team of cardiologists, surgeons, and skilled nurses working with advanced technology.
• Continuity of care: From emergency treatment to rehabilitation, cardiac centres provide comprehensive support that improves survival and long-term outcomes.

Research confirms that patients treated in dedicated cardiac centres experience better outcomes, fewer complications, and a significantly higher quality of life.

Heart Health: Busting Myths and Building Hope in Zululand

Dr Sizwe Mthiyane, Cardiologist
035 772 3149 | sizwem@worldonline.co.za
Suite 101, 1st floor, Melomed, Richards Bay

When it comes to heart health, one of the biggest dangers isn’t always a medical condition – it’s a mindset.

“More than a myth, I would like our people to desist from burying their heads in the sand regarding their cardiac and other health matters,” says Dr Sizwe Mthiyane, Cardiologist at the Melomed Private Hospital Richards Bay.

Dr Mthiyane stresses that prevention is the corner-stone of good heart health. “Prevention begins with lifestyle. It means making exercise a priority, eating well with the guidance of a dietitian, quitting tobacco, and managing weight. For those living with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or abnormal cholesterol levels, seeking proper medical care and adhering to treatment plans is critical. Smoking, too, should be treated as a disease.”

Thanks to the opening of the Melomed Cardiac Centre, life-saving cardiac care is now more accessible than ever for the people of Northern Zululand. “Melomed has brought the proximity of cardiac care to the population of Northern Zululand – and that is commendable,” says Dr Mthiyane.

He is quick to highlight that such progress is only possible through teamwork and community support. “I would like to thank all the stakeholders who have made the hospital and the cardiac centre a success – including staff (medical, nursing, and supportive), management, and importantly, the community that we serve, who have welcomed our services with warm hands.”

With humility and dedication, Dr Mthiyane and his team remain committed to providing world-class, ethical, and science-driven cardiac care right here in Zululand.

24-Hour emergency cardiac centre

• Immediate care for heart attacks, cardiac emergencies, and acute cardiac events
• Equipped with a state-of-the-art Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab)
• 24/7 access to interventional cardiologists.
• Advanced Cardiac Services Offered
• Electrocardiology (EPS)
• Diagnostic Angiograms / Coronary Angiograms
• Coronary Artery Stenting
• Rotation for Coronary Artery Stenosis
• Optis Integrated Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
• Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) System
• Angiographic Co-Registration

PROVIDING AFFORDABLE QUALITY HEALTHCARE
Six years of excellence in cardiac care – Bringing world-class heart care to Zululand

EMERGENCY CENTRE: 035 7915301-035 791 5311
CNR of N2 and MR496 (John Ross Highway)
Tel: 035 791 5300 | E: info@melomed.co.za
www.melomed.co.za