Mulago National Referral Hospital conducted 80 free neurosurgical procedures during a 14-day surgical camp aimed at helping patients unable to afford treatment and reducing the growing backlog of cases.
According to Dr Joel Kiryabwire, Head of the Neurosurgery Department, the camp initially targeted 100 surgeries in 10 days, but only 80 were completed due to the complexity of some procedures. Surgeries included tumor removal, installation of protective metal plates, correction of brain blood vessel abnormalities, and procedures to create more space for the brain.
The department receives 20 to 30 patients requiring neurosurgery every week but often faces challenges such as shortages of medicines, surgical supplies and patients’ inability to afford essential tests like CT scans. While the procedures were offered free during the camp, they normally cost between Shs40 million and Shs60 million depending on complexity.
To support the initiative, the hospital provided medicines, diagnostic tests, additional recovery space and Intensive Care Unit beds, helping surgeons address the backlog of critical cases.
