Hundreds of Ugandans flocked Mulago National Referral hospital Kampala on Monday for free surgical services in several disciplines.
The hospital management led by the acting director Rosemary Byanyima announced a 5-day surgical camp to showcase surgical services offered by the hospital.
Dr. Orwotho Norbert the head of the Directorate of Surgical services at Mulago Hospital highlighted that all specialties at the premises are currently engaging in several surgeries in both the upper and lower theaters of the hospital.
“As of today Monday, all the 16 specialties have had an average of 4-5 patients, we assume that every day they will do a minimum of 5 surgeries, we expect to operate about 60-70 patients daily throughout the 5 days,” Dr. Orwotho explained.
When asked about which specialty got the highest number of patients, Orwotho replied that the eye clinic, Neurology, ENT and orthopedic have so far received the highest numbers.
In the 5 day period, Specialists at the hospital will examine and offer over 10 specialized services including Neurology surgery, Orthopaedic surgery, Paediatric, Gastrointestinal, Urology, Endocrine, Anaesthesia amongst others at zero cost.
Dr. Namugga Monica a renown neurologist who was carrying out an open prostatectomy operation in one of the theaters on Monday noted that prostrate is lately a common disease amongst men of advanced age and she urged them to always visit for consultations before situations worsen.
Dr. Ronald who was performing a partial gastrestomy operation urged patients to always seek medical attention in early stages of any disease as this will help to curb most operation costs.
By midday, the camp had received about 772 patients and according to the hospital management, this was an indication that the public still has faith in their services.
Dr Rosemary Byanyima the acting ED Mulago Hospital expressed her gratitude to the patients that turned up and she vowed to serve the public to the fullest.
Dr. Byanyima who also cautioned Ugandans on developing health seeking habits called upon the general public to embrace it.