The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
By Stephen Kafeero
In a drive to bring specialist health services nearer to the masses, the Association of Surgeons of Uganda has today received a donation of Shs5 million from Umeme Uganda Ltd as a boost to their week long campaign scheduled to take place in Teso Sub region.
The surgical camp is an annual event during which surgeons, anesthetists, anesthesiologists, nurses and community workers voluntarily dedicate their services to a given community free of charge. This annual event kicked off 10 years ago has impacted on the lives of many over the years.
The camp which is set to run from July 7-12 will officially be closed by the Minister of Health Dr Ruhakana Rugunda. It will cover hospitals and health centers including Soroti, Kumi, Atutur, Serere and Ngora Hospitals were cases of Safe Male Circumcision, Urinary tract infections and other complications will be addressed.
Last year, the association carried out a surgical camp in the western region of Uganda where over 6,000 patients were availed free medical care.
According to Dr Josephat Jombwe the President of the Association of Surgeons of Uganda, they expect to handle at least 5,000 patients. He said that they also intend to pass on skills to their colleagues working in upcountry areas. “The camp will help to jumpstart operations at the health centers where we shall operate,” he said.
He said that the major challenge they were facing was mobilizing resources to accommodate surgeons and acquire the necessary equipment.
Umeme’s General Manager in charge of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Sam Zimbe said that the company’s support for the week long surgical camp was to help save lives by partnering with the government to bring health care closer to vulnerable people that are unable to access specialized surgical services.
