A total of 1,176 patients have undergone surgeries conducted by a Spanish Surgical Team (the Cirugia en Turkana) over the last two weeks.
A total of 874 were successful general surgeries. The surgeries included orthopaedic (bones) Pediatric for children with cleft lips and gyneacological cases.
Speaking during a dinner party organized by the Doctors to celebrate the conclusion and success of the Medical camp, County Governor’s Spouse Lilian Ekamais said she was grateful for the generosity and humility offered by the Spanish doctors to the patients who cannot afford health care.
She further said that the surgeries have eased pain, restored health and smiles to hundreds of patients and urged the Doctors to continue with the spirit to help humanity.
The lead Surgeon Dr. Carmen Hernandez thanked the County Government for the partnership, providing a conducive environment and space for the Surgeons to conduct consultancies and surgical operations.
Dr. Hernandez expressed optimism that more patients will be served in the next camp that will be held in February next year.
Acting Chief Officer of health Joyce Illikwel appealed to the Spanish team to help train some local radiologists, urologists for enhanced and continued service in the County.
She commended the team for enduring harsh weather conditions and other challenges to help the needy people of Turkana.
The Lodwar County Referral Hospital Director and CEO Dr. Joseph Epem promised to increase theater facilities and ensure recruitment of some specialists before the next medical camp to increase the number of patients to undergo surgical operations at LCRH.
Dr. Epem commended health staff at the County level and Spanish team for the success of the exercise that started on January 30th and ended on February 10th, saying that patients were mobilized in time and from all parts of the county.
The Chairman of the surgical team, Dr. Khalid Hassan said that plans have already started for the next Medical Camp and the team wants to increase the coverage to reach more patients who missed to be served this year. He reiterated the need to build the capacity of local staff to provide quality and better services to all residents of Turkana.
The Spanish Doctors have been holding these annual medical camps since 2004 and so far more than 10,000 patients have been attended to. This year the team of 28 Spanish specialist volunteers participated in the camp, where the County Government through the Ministry of Health provided specialists staff, drugs to patients and waived all fees.
By Peter Gitonga
