Bokamoso Private Hospital Performs Botswana’s First Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Gaborone, Botswana, November 2025 – Bokamoso Private Hospital is proud to announce a historic milestone for Botswana’s healthcare system: the successful completion of the country’s first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), performed yesterday by Bokamoso Private Hospital’s specialised cardiac team.

TAVI is a highly advanced, minimally invasive heart valve replacement procedure used to treat severe aortic stenosis. Traditionally, patients required open-heart surgery, an invasive operation that carries significant risks and long recovery times. TAVI offers a safer alternative for many patients, with access achieved through a small puncture in the groin or chest, enabling quicker recovery, shorter hospital stays, and improved quality of life.

This breakthrough procedure marks a major step forward for Botswana, as patients previously had to travel outside the country to access this life-saving intervention.

A Milestone for Botswana and the Region

By bringing TAVI to Botswana for the first time, Bokamoso Private Hospital has positioned itself as a leading centre for advanced cardiac care in the region. The procedure was performed by an experienced multidisciplinary team including interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic support, anaesthetists, radiographers, and specialised nursing staff.

Hospital CEO, Joe van der Walt, said, “This achievement represents a new era for cardiac care in Botswana. Performing the country’s first TAVI demonstrates what is possible when expertise, innovation, and a commitment to patient care come together. Most importantly, it means that our people no longer need to leave Botswana to access world-class, life-saving heart procedures. We are proud of our team and deeply grateful to the patient who entrusted us with this milestone.”

Benefits for the Community

Introducing TAVI locally delivers significant advantages for patients, families, and the healthcare system-

• Reduced need for medical travel abroad, lowering financial and emotional burden on families.
• Faster recovery times, allowing patients to return to daily life sooner.
• Expanded access to advanced cardiac treatments, especially for high-risk patients who are not candidates for open-heart surgery.
• Enhanced national healthcare capability, strengthening Botswana’s position as a growing centre for specialised medical care.
• Training and development opportunities for local clinicians, supporting long-term skills transfer and sustainability.

A Commitment to Excellence

Bokamoso Private Hospital remains dedicated to delivering advanced, patient-centred care and to investing in technologies that improve outcomes for communities across Botswana.

Lenmed manages and owns 20 healthcare facilities in South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique with offices in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. For more information about Lenmed and its ongoing healthcare initiatives, please visit www.lenmed.com.