By Cordelia Akueche/Chika Igweagbaka/Obianuju Nwosu/Chinedu Nnebo/Obianuju Enujioke
Anambra State Government in collaboration with The Carter Centre has commenced a free Hydrocelectomy in the state.
The surgery is going on simultaneously in the three senatorial zones with Enugw-ukwu General Hospital handling people in the Central, Ekwulobia General Hospital for the South and Umueri General Hospital covering for people of the North Senatorial Zone.
While speaking to information officers on the project, the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Desk Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Obikwelu said that the ongoing surgery intervention in the state is specifically targeted at persons aged 15 years and above.
He explained that hydrocele is associated with neglected tropical diseases and remains a significant public health concern.
Dr. Obikwelu emphasised that the programme is designed to address cases among adult males, who are the most impacted by the condition.
He, however, clarified that children are not the primary focus of the current intervention, noting that data on affected children will still be collected during the exercise.
According to him, such information would be forwarded to the state government to guide for future interventions aimed at addressing the condition among younger populations.
Commenting, Dr. Patrick Anisiobi, a resident Dostor in the Hospital said that the initiative which is set to run for four days would offer surgeries at no costs to beneficiaries.
According to the Doctor, the programme is part of ongoing efforts to improve access to quality healthcare delivery and to support individuals who may not be able to afford high cost of the surgical procedures.
He emphasised that the entire process, from consultation to the stages of blade incisions, would be completely free for all qualified patients.
He said, “a total of 20 patients have been scheduled to undergo this surgery today and if they are more we are in for them.
“The outreach is expected to bring relief and renewed hope to participants as well as contribute to the overall well-being of the community”.
A senior staff member of the hospital, Mrs. Loretta Okonkwo said that the institution is prepared to commence surgical procedures for clients, assuring that all necessary arrangements have been put in place.
She explained that patients would begin the process with comprehensive laboratory investigations to determine their suitability for the surgery.
Mrs. Okonkwo also expressed appreciation to the state government and The Carter Center for their support and collaboration in making the free medical services possible for the people of the state.
She noted that the partnership has created a valuable opportunity for many patients to receive the much-needed care while encouraging eligible clients to take advantage of the programme assuring them of the hospital’s commitment at delivering safe and effective treatment.
The surgery carried out at Enugwu-ukwu General Hospital recorded no complications, showcasing the expertise of Anambra State Health workers and the partners although many works are still needed to disseminate this information to all nooks and crannies of the state for prompt compliance of affected persons.
The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
