…as Ministry of Health holds “Orthopaedic Camp”
BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MBABANE – Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi has announced a plan to resolve the backlog in orthopedic surgeries.
In a statement she released today, the Minister announced that the Mbabane Government Hospital will conduct mass surgical operations on patients with bone fractures and conditions on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
The surgery operations under a model themed “Orthopaedic Camp”, will be conducted periodically in weekly cycles.
“During the first day of the oprations, on Monday, August 7, 2023, a total of 16 patients were operated on, including 9 males, 3 females, and 4 children. The weekly target will be 80 patients until all the listed 400 patients are covered,” said the Minister in her statement.
“Patients awaiting bone surgical operations are advised to keep their communication lines open, as they will be contacted about their operation dates. Patients are requested not to come to Mbabane Government Hospital until they are contacted,” said the Minister.
According the statement, the Orthopedic Camp has been made possible by orthopaedic surgeons surgeons in the private sector, Taiwan and Cuba, assisted by experienced medical officers, nurses, anaesthetists, and other health workers who were mobilised from other health facilities to assist.
“The Ministry would like to appreciate the proactive efforts of the Hospital Management and their teams in ensuring that the backlog of orthpaedic patients is attended to. The Ministry remains committed to improving the health and functionality of all emaSwati,” said the Minister in her statement.
The first week of the Orthopaedic Camp started on Monday, August 7, and will continue until August 12.
