Aga Khan Hospital announces free reconstructive surgery

Dar es Salaam.  Forty women who have suffered from various injuries caused by domestic fires, abuse and other accidents are expected to benefit from a free plastic and reconstructive surgery program from November 3rd to 4th this year.

The Aga Khan Hospital (AKHD), in collaboration with the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and Women for Women Foundations will conduct a free plastic and reconstructive surgery camp in Dar es Salaam. The project is also targeting female children.

 “This year, we anticipate conducting a total of 40 surgeries both minor and major depending on the cases,’’ said AKHD’s head of Surgery department Dr Athar Ali during a news conference on Friday.  

 ‘On September 16 this year we will conduct screening as a means of preparing for the camp,” he said.

Dr Ali said the camp is estimated to cost $60,000 (Sh131.4 million) and will cover all surgical and administrative costs. The fund comes from Women for Women and AKHD Patient’s Welfare Programme.

According to him it will be the third time for the hospital to organize the surgeries which started in 2016. Over 60 patients received treatment in the first two camps and the costs were covered by AKHD.

 He said those who would like to undergo the screening up country are advised to visit the health centres in their respective regions.

The Head of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from the Muhimbili National hospital (MNH) Dr Edwin Mrema said there is a big number of women and children at home who suffer domestic abuse but they can’t afford treatment.

 “We receive between two or three victims of domestic abuse per day at MNH. But we think many others do not go to hospitals because they cannot afford. So we call upon them to use this opportunity of free screening and surgery,” he stressed.