By Yaaba Yamikeh, Tarkwa
The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, in partnership with the Society of Family Physicians of Ghana (SOFPOG) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has successfully undertaken a free surgical outreach programme to improve access to specialist healthcare services for vulnerable residents in its host communities in Tarkwa.
The initiative focused on the screening and treatment of hernia, lipoma, hydrocele, fibroadenoma, fibroids, cysts, osteoarthritis-related conditions and other surgical abnormalities.
The programme forms part of the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery, promoting equitable access to quality healthcare and supporting community health interventions in its operational areas.
Screening exercises were conducted from April 20 to 24, while surgical procedures took place from May 13 to 15 at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital. The Foundation provided all drugs, medical supplies, consumables and logistical support for the exercise.
A total of 254 people were screened, with 71 patients selected for surgery. Of these, 58 successful surgeries were performed.
Records
Medical records from the outreach showed that hernia cases accounted for the majority of surgeries, with 38 procedures representing 65.5 per cent of the total. This was followed by eight lipoma cases (13.8 per cent), six hydrocele cases (10.3 per cent), four knee osteoarthritis surgeries (6.9 per cent) and two fibroadenoma cases (3.5 per cent).
According to the medical team, males constituted 82.8 per cent of beneficiaries, while females accounted for 17.2 per cent. All 58 surgeries were completed successfully without major complications.
Beneficiaries also received post-operative care, including wound dressing, follow-up reviews and prescribed medications to aid recovery.
Specialist care
Officials of the Foundation said the outreach significantly improved access to free specialist surgical care for people who might otherwise have been unable to afford treatment. They noted that the programme also helped identify serious medical conditions among beneficiaries who had delayed seeking medical attention due to financial difficulties.
In recognition of its contribution to community healthcare delivery, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation was honoured at the 12th Annual General Scientific Meeting of SOFPOG, held on May 22 at the Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi.
The Foundation received a citation for its outstanding support and commitment to the successful implementation of the free surgical outreach programme.
