A mega health initiative is underway in the Ankole Sub-Region as a dedicated team of 400 medical professionals has been mobilised for a week-long surgical camp.
This diverse group including surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, and radiologists, was officially flagged off over the weekend with a mission to provide essential medical care to the community.
According to Moses Galukande, the president of the surgeons, they anticipate conducting an impressive 2,500 surgical procedures across 25 health centre IVs and hospitals starting today.
The surgical camp aims to address critical health needs in the region, offering a range of procedures from minor to complex surgeries.
Local residents are hopeful that this initiative will not only alleviate their immediate health concerns but also improve access to quality healthcare services in their communities.
As the team begins its work, the atmosphere is filled with a mix of anticipation and gratitude from those who will benefit from these vital medical services.
Galukande stressed that while surgery is the main focus of the camp, they will also include preventive health measures. The team plans to visit nine schools to check for common issues like eye and hearing problems.
Dr. Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, shared that they have gathered medicines from the National Medical Stores and various partners, budgeting over a billion shillings for this year’s surgical camp.
This event happens every year; last year, they operated on about 500 people in the Lango sub-region.
This time, they expect to help even more, with plans to rotate the camp to different regions each year.
Dr. Atwine thanked the doctors for their selfless commitment to providing free services to those in need, highlighting that their kindness will be rewarded.
Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe of the South Ankole Diocese also expressed his appreciation for the surgeons’ work in saving lives.
The medical team will be spread across several districts in the Ankole Sub-Region, including Mbarara, Isingiro, Mitooma, Rwampara, Ntungamo, Sheema, Rubirizi, and Kiruhura.
This initiative is supported by the Association of Surgeons, the Ankole Parliamentary Caucus, the Ministry of Health, and other partners.
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