Hon. Ntamuhiira Visits Rugazi Health Centre IV Ahead of Free Surgical Camp in Ankole Sub-Region

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As the much-anticipated Free Surgical Camp approaches, preparations are in high gear across the Ankole sub-region, where 13 districts, including Rubirizi, will benefit from the life-saving services. The camp, conducted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Association of Surgeons of Uganda, will run from 22nd to 28th September 2024, offering free surgical services to hundreds of patients.

Today, the Member of Parliament for Bunyaruguru constituency, Hon. John Twesigye Ntamuhiira, visited Rugazi Health Centre IV to assess the facility’s readiness to host the camp. During his visit, Hon. Ntamuhiira expressed satisfaction with the progress made, noting that the center is 95% ready to handle the influx of patients.

“This camp is a golden opportunity for our people to receive treatment for complicated and often expensive conditions. I encourage all community members to turn up in large numbers to benefit from these free services,” Hon. Ntamuhiira said. He emphasized how costly it has been for many locals to seek specialized care, often requiring referrals to Kampala International University (KIU) hospital or Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.

For many community members, this camp is a rare chance to access specialized surgeries for conditions that have long burdened families both financially and emotionally. Local leaders have echoed the MP’s sentiments, urging citizens to seize this opportunity.

According to Dr. Nankyinga Aida, the in-charge of Rugazi Health Centre IV, the preparations are progressing smoothly, and the community response has been overwhelming. So far, 429 patients have registered for the surgical camp, with conditions ranging from hernias, prostate cancer, and goiter, to more complex surgical cases.

“We are ready to serve the people. The health center has been preparing for weeks, and we will have additional support from lower health centers to ensure we manage the number of cases expected,” Dr. Nankyinga assured. She added that while the camp is underway, the health center will continue to operate normally to provide care for non-surgical patients.

The local medical team, together with the visiting surgeons, will focus on ensuring that every patient gets the required attention during the week-long camp. Dr. Nankyinga reassured the public that no patient will be turned away during the camp, and resources have been allocated to meet the expected demand.

The free surgical camp is a vital intervention for rural communities in the Ankole sub-region, many of whom face barriers to accessing affordable healthcare. With conditions like hernias and prostate cancer affecting a significant portion of the population, especially the elderly, this camp is expected to make a considerable impact.

Hon. Ntamuhiira’s visit was a show of his commitment to improving healthcare in his constituency. “I’m proud to see the community turning up, and I believe this camp will change lives. We will continue to advocate for more such initiatives to make healthcare more accessible to our people,” he said.

As the camp draws closer, the MP and health officials continue to rally support, ensuring that the initiative reaches as many people as possible. The free surgical camp is expected to not only relieve the community of the financial burden associated with surgeries but also foster healthier lives in the long run.