By Trypheen Asimire
Kampala – Over 2,500 people are set to benefit from free surgeries in the Ankole Subregion in a week-long surgical camp.
The camp organized by the Association of Surgeons of Uganda in collaboration with the Ministry of Health is going to be held in 11 districts of Ankole Subregion including Mbarara, Isingiro, Rwampala, Ntungamo, Bushenyi, Sheema, Mitooma, Buhweju, Ibanda, Rubirizi and Kiruhura.
A team of surgeons and other health specialists were on Saturday flagged off at the ministry of health headquarters to provide the service in 25 health facilities across the region including regional referral hospitals, general hospitals and health center fours.
The 400-strong team of health care providers also includes anesthetists, nurses, radiologists, laboratory specialists and administrative and logistics personnel among others.
Speaking at the flag off event on Saturday, Dr. Moses Galukande, President of the Association of Surgeons noted operations will commence on Monday, with an estimated 25 operations per health facility per day.
“This is a pro bono service; no one is going to be paid for this. The time these people are giving is donated with expertise.” Dr. Galukande noted.
He noted that in addition to surgeries, the team will visit nine schools to screen approximately 6,000 school children for eye and hearing problems among other problems.
Dr. Henry Mwebesa, Director General of Health Services, thanked the team for their support in building capacity and clearing backlogs in host facilities.
“If you visit a health center and find the doctor or nursing officer absent, please notify us. You will support them in building capacity and clearing their backlog, not taking over their work.” He said
Dr. Diana Atwiine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, expressed gratitude to the medical team for their selfless service. “You’ve set aside time to reach people in rural areas, and we can’t take that for granted.” She said
Bishop of South Ankole Diocese Nathan Ahimbisibwe praised the medical team for donating their time and skills.
“… if they are people who must be grateful to God are the medics because for you know the anatomy of a human being. You know we are here by God’s own mercies. And because God has kept you go and donate your time to the region of ankole and elsewhere,” said the bishop before he prayed for the team as they set off.