Kindred Health Surgical Foundation on Monday inaugurated a surgical initiative to perform free plastic body reconstruction surgeries for 30 underprivileged Nigerians in Sokoto state.
The Newsmen reports that the medical outreach was in collaboration with an American ENT Surgeon, Dr Dave Shaye, under the Project Life Foundation.
NAN reports that a team of skilled surgeons, medical professionals, and volunteers would perform free life-saving procedures from Sept. 8, to Sept. 12, at Noma Specialist Hospital Sokoto.
The team leader, Prof. Jacob Legbo, a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon from Usmanu Danfodio Teaching University Sokoto (UDUTH), said the intervention focuses on providing support to indigent patients.
” We are conducting free surgeries to patients that cannot afford the surgery expenses and beneficiaries were from all parts of Nigeria.
“These interventions will directly alleviate pain to less privileged persons, persons with disability, and life-threatening conditions that afflict many in our communities.
” The support also included for indigent patients under routine medications in some hospitals, all intended to provide succur to people and their families, ” Legbo said.
According to him, a standard single procedure surgery cycle cost between N350,000 to N1 million at a teaching hospital, adding that some patients needed repeated surgeries.
Legbo noted that beyond the operating rooms, the initiative would focus on patient education, post-operation care, and training of Resident Doctors to become Surgeons along with local medical professionals to ensure a sustainable healthcare system.
He further highlighted that under initiative, the foundation would provide surgical equipment to needed facilities as well as other desirable supports.
” At present, we focus on Head and Neck specialisised surgeries for Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT), and specialized plastic and reconstructive surgeries.
” We expect to expand the scope of the exercise based on the intervention grants as vulnerable persons are being identified in the society, ” he added.
A cross section of benefiting families expressed appreciation to the support describing it as life saving, noting that many could not afford the treatment especially in the rural areas.
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