Nicholas A
Residents of Ntungamo District are urging the government to improve access to surgical health services, as operable diseases continue to claim many lives in Uganda.
In interviews with our reporter during ongoing surgical camps in various districts of western Uganda, including Ntungamo, residents expressed concern that surgical services are often expensive and inaccessible to those in remote areas, leading to preventable deaths.
Tumwesigye Wilson Bwafamba, the local councilor for Omukibare Ward, Kitwe Town Council, emphasized the need for the government to make surgical education more affordable. He noted that many Ugandans with the potential to become surgeons are unable to pursue the field due to high tuition fees, resulting in a shortage of surgeons in the country. Bwafamba believes that by training more surgeons, access to surgical services across Uganda would improve.
Amanya Ivan Rwanyakibare, the LC3 Chairperson for Rugarama North Sub-County, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the high cost of treating operable diseases leads to unnecessary deaths, as many people cannot afford the services, which are often located far from their homes.
Both leaders commended the Association of Surgeons of Uganda for their decision to provide free surgical services at the grassroots level. They believe this initiative will greatly benefit Ugandans, especially those facing significant health challenges.
During the mini-launch of the campaign on Sunday at Rubare Health Centre IV, Beatrice Chemisto, the Acting District Health Officer of Ntungamo District, expressed her gratitude that Ntungamo was selected to host the surgical camps. She noted that the campaign, which began on September 22 and will run until September 28, 2024, is taking place at Kitwe Health Centre IV in Ruhaama East County, Rubare Health Centre IV in Rushenyi County, and Itojo Hospital in Ruhaama County.
Dr. Joseph Epodoi, a senior surgery consultant and neurologist with the Association of Surgeons of Uganda, reported that at Rubare Health Centre IV, a team of five surgeons, along with several nurses, is performing surgeries on a daily basis. They are treating 15 to 20 patients each day, focusing on conditions such as goiters, hernias, urinary problems, uterine fibroids, and other operable diseases.
Naome Kabashariira, the legislator for Rushenyi County, encouraged residents to take advantage of the surgical camp to address their health issues. She also urged Ugandans to prioritize regular medical check-ups to prevent diseases from progressing to more serious stages.
