Mulago National Referral Hospital concluded a weeklong surgical camp aimed at assisting over 30 patients who lacked the means to afford knee implants, a critical procedure to alleviate their conditions
Attributed to the generous support from counterparts in the United States, Ugandan surgeons were able to perform knee replacements and joint reconstructions, utilizing donated implants, a tradition established since 2015.
Dr. Alex Bangirana, an Orthopedic surgeon and camp coordinator, emphasized the importance of such surgeries in addressing chronic joint inflammation. However, he lamented the limited availability of such services across the country, despite the high demand from Ugandans.
The cost of a knee implant, averaging $1700 or approximately 7.5 to 8 million Ugandan shillings, remains prohibitive for many, resulting in a significant backlog of patients in need of care.
In addition to providing 26 implants valued at around UGX 200 million, visiting surgeons also imparted valuable skills to local medical professionals and conducted arthroscopic procedures, allowing for knee examination without invasive incisions.
Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, Acting Executive Director of Mulago Hospital, expressed gratitude to the visiting surgeons and suggested launching a campaign to reduce road accidents, a leading cause of knee injuries.
One beneficiary, Namukasa Dorothy, 58, from Namugongo, shared her six-year journey of knee pain, eventually finding relief through surgery at Mulago Hospital. She expressed deep appreciation for the care and support received from the medical team.
While arthritis contributes to knee complications, leading to severe pain and discomfort, adopting a diet rich in fish, pulses, nuts, olive oil, and fruits and vegetables can help prevent the onset of arthritis, according to medical experts.
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