Over 400 patients successfully underwent surgery on the first day of the Ankole Surgical Camp at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
According to Halson Kagure, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, the camp, which began on Monday, September 23, has drawn patients from across the region, with hundreds more still awaiting care.
Kagure highlighted that some patients were transferred to the surgical ward for post-operative monitoring, while others were discharged after their procedures. However, long waiting hours raised concerns among patients, leading local politicians to intervene in support of the medical team.
The overwhelming influx of patients exceeded the hospital’s initial expectations. Kagure admitted that the hospital had planned to complete patient assessments by Sunday but was caught off guard by the number of people seeking treatment on the first day.
Prof. Dan Kisitu, Head of Surgery at Mbarara University and Mbarara Referral Hospital, praised the efforts of the medical staff. “Surgeons are working day and night,” he said, noting that a wide range of surgeries have been performed, including urology, neurosurgery, plastic reconstruction, and orthopaedics.
Despite the large numbers, Prof. Kisitu assured the public that all scheduled surgeries will be completed by September 28. For any patients who cannot be attended to during the camp, special arrangements will be made.
The Ankole Surgical Camp is sponsored by the Ministry of Health, the Association of Surgeons of Uganda, and local Ankole MPs.
Kagure urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing the dedication of the healthcare workers as they strive to provide necessary medical care.