Thousands Seek Care at Kayunga Free Surgical Camp; Many Unmet Needs Identified

Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital was inundated with patients seeking medical attention during a week-long free surgical camp organized by the Association of Surgeons of Uganda (ASOU). Between September 12th and 19th, a staggering 4,431 individuals presented themselves, indicating a large unmet demand for surgical services in the North Buganda region.

Of the thousands who attended, 3,182 were deemed eligible for surgery. However, due to limitations in resources and personnel, only 2,271 patients could be operated on during the camp. The initiative aimed to serve ten districts, including Kayunga, Luweero, and Wakiso, among others.

Beyond general surgical needs, the camp also shed light on specific health challenges. Dr. Robert Ssentongo, Director of Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, noted that hearing impairments were prevalent among schoolchildren. Approximately 666 students from 33 schools were screened, with many suffering from blocked ear canals due to insect infestations, particularly cockroaches, and excessive wax buildup.

Dr. Ssentongo stressed the importance of regular ear checkups and improved hygiene for children, advising parents to be vigilant about foreign objects or conditions affecting their children’s ears. He also pointed out that national estimates suggest only a fraction of Ugandans needing non-emergency surgery receive it, leading to preventable disabilities and reduced quality of life.

The surgeries performed included common procedures like inguinal hernia repairs, prostate operations, hydroceles, and bone and breast surgeries. Patients who were eligible but could not be operated on have been registered and are scheduled for treatment before the year’s end, at no cost.

Beneficiaries like Susan Teo Nakabiri, who received surgery for urinary leakage, expressed profound gratitude for the life-changing intervention, while Julius Luutu, who had bone surgery after an accident, also shared his positive experience.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/patients-overwhelm-kayunga-free-surgical-camp-5608990