Over 2,500 surgeries to be conducted in Ankole subregion

21 September 2024, 12:04 pm

Byamukama Alozious

A team of surgeons, accompanied by a diverse group of healthcare providers and experts, is set to perform over 2,500 surgical operations during a week-long surgical camp in the Ankole Subregion.

Organised by the Association of Surgeons, the camp will feature around 420 health professionals, including nurses, lab technicians, pathologists, and other medical specialists, who will provide free testing, treatment, and surgical services at 25 health facilities, including Health Centres IV and V, as well as referral hospitals.

During the flag-off ceremony, Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, commended the initiative and emphasised the government’s support for the cause. “This camp requires dedicated professionals to reach rural areas. We appreciate the surgeons and all healthcare providers for their commitment to delivering essential services to those who would otherwise go untreated,” stated Dr. Atwine.

Uganda faces a critical shortage of surgical services, with only 0.2 operating theatres per 100,000 people and a surgeon density of 0.73 per 100,000. Additional challenges, such as shortages of equipment, water, electricity, and blood banks, further complicate surgical care, underscoring the importance of initiatives like this.

Dr. Moses Galukande, President of the Association of Surgeons, remarked, “We are donating our expertise to improve health outcomes. The residents of Ankole are eagerly awaiting our arrival.” He also mentioned that the team plans to visit schools to raise awareness about health and surgery, ensuring that experts are present in all Ankole districts, including Isingiro, Mbarara, Kiruhura, Ibanda, Ntungamo, Sheema, and Rubirizi.

The camp will run from September 22 to 28, with Dr. Henry Mwebesa, Director General of Health Services, urging health workers at the host facilities to remain on duty during this period. “If you go to a health centre and find no doctor, please call,” he advised.

Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe of South Ankole, representing the Archbishop of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, highlighted the importance of personal responsibility in healthcare, citing boda boda riders as an example.

“Many boda boda riders neglect to wear helmets, which could protect their heads. Consequently, they suffer injuries that require surgery, unnecessarily endangering their lives,” he explained. He encouraged the doctors to do their utmost to help those in need, stating, “Donating your expertise and time is a blessing, and for that, we thank God.”