A frontline health-care centre, Shonowo Hospital, in a bid to reduce the cases of hernia, lumps, fibroids and related diseases in the country has provided an opportunity for a free hernia and lump removal surgeries for 200 patients.
The Medical Director, Shonowo Hospital, Dr. Samson Shonowo, made the call at the second edition of the annual official opening of free surgery ceremony held in Agege Lagos. The event which is part of the hospital’s commitment to making health care affordable to low-income earners in Nigeria was witnessed by patients including children, women and families from places across the country.
Speaking about the free surgery program, Dr Shonowo said.
“Nigeria is characterized by a very level of inequality. With a large informal sector and over half of its population live in low-income areas and the ability to pay for proper healthcare is a challenge faced by majority of Nigerians”.
He further noted that Hernia has been a common condition in our environment and is a major problem amongst male population. In rural areas and due to grueling physical activity like farm works, he noted that complications are frequently seen, many of which are life-threatening and the cost of operation is not available to many.
According to the convener, the first annual edition of the free surgeries in November last year recorded 100 free surgeries which were done.
While many thought the hospital will not be able to sustain it, Dr. Shonowo noted that the hospital already have a list of 200 patients for the surgery.
“Having worked in a government hospital in the past, now saw the need to contribute to this community our corporate social responsibility because my hospital is situated.”
“Today, we have 200 patients in our list for free surgery. These patients were screened and selected over the course of two months after registering at the hospital. We had over 800 applications and 200 patients with the most severe cases were selected and surgeries will be carried out at zero cost, while beneficiaries are contacted and surgery dates scheduled by the hospital.”
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Hernia (rupture) is an opening or tearing the muscles covering the belly that allows loop of the gut to push through and form a ball or lump under the skin. It usually comes from lifting something heavy, or strain. Some babies are born with hernia. In men, hernia is common in the groin, swollen lymph nodes may also cause lumps in groin.
The surgery session officially opens on the 15th November and closes at the end of the year.
“Since the establishment of Shonowo Hospital in Lagos 2015,”Our mission is to co-ordinate, deliver safe and caring services that promote health and well being, while providing standard medical care to low-income earners at the grassroots. Our vision is Healthy people vibrant communities care for all”.
Dr. Humphery Nwazuruokeh, of St. Anthony Medical centre in response to the good gesture provided by Shonowo hospital told the Guardian that the Federal, State, Local governments should likewise make provision and implement several free programmes for vulnerable people in the society who could not afford major surgery to enable them contribute their quota to nation building.
Some of the new beneficiaries and the existing ones are Mr. Peter Akpan, Oluwurotimi Oyelekan, Mr Godwin Tom, Mr Godwin Fayunwa. Mr Shamsudeen Liasu, a beneficiary who spoke on behalf of others appreciated Doctor Shonowo and his medical team, thanking him for providing families with the free medical surgeries.
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