Operation Walk Syracuse, a U.S.-based non-profit medical organisation, has begun a week-long orthopaedic surgery programme at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital at Koforidua, providing free treatment to around 100 patients from across Eastern Region.
The initiative, which started on October 10 and is expected to end on October 17, aims to ease the financial burden of orthopaedic surgery for patients suffering from debilitating joint conditions.
Ms Amevine Bailey, the Local Lead for Operation Walk Syracuse said the organisation for this year’s programme, brought a team of about 40 professionals to perform knee and hip replacement surgeries.
He said, “Our team includes surgeons, anaesthesiologists, physical therapists, and operating and recovery room staff.”
Since 2015, the organisation has supported hundreds of Ghanaians with free orthopaedic care.
During a visit to the hospital, Minister of Health Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced new measures of the government to simplify the importation of donated medical equipment.
“Once it is for charity purposes, the Ministry is willing and ready to partner with you,” he said, encouraging NGOs to consign shipments directly to the Ministry for streamlined clearance and distribution.
“It is simply to consign that particular group to the Ministry for an agreement on the distributions, and what you are going to use it for,” he added.
Operation Walk Syracuse provides free surgical care to patients in developing countries and underserved communities in the United States and its focus is on treating severe bone and joint conditions.
Mr Mohammed Iddrisu, a beneficiary of the programme, expressed gratitude after receiving a right hip replacement, along with medication and mobility support and expressed his gratitude for the life-changing opportunity.
Source: GNA
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