Hospital conducts free hernia surgery for 200 persons in Lagos

Concerned by the increasing number of Nigerians suffering from hernia, and women with fibroids, a frontline health-care centre committed to grassroot healthcare delivery, is making efforts to address and reduce the incidence in the country. Shonowo Hospital has provided an opportunity for free hernia and lump removal surgeries for 200 patients, as part of its commitment to making health care affordable and available to low –income Nigerians.

Medical Director Shonowo Hospital Agege, Lagos, Dr Samson Shonowo, speaking at the second edition of the annual official opening of free surgery program, noted that “Hernia is a common condition in our environment and constitutes a serious problem in the male population. Complications are frequently seen in the rural areas due to gruelling physical activity like farm work, many of these is life -threatening and the cost of operation is not readily affordable to many”.

Dr Shonowo disclosed that in the first edition of the free hernia and lump removal surgery program in November last year, 100 free surgeries were done, but due to the large number of patients who still need help, it was necessary to increase the number of beneficiaries this year.According to him, one of the objectives of the free surgery program is to contribute to the community by providing health care solutions that low income members of that community might not be able to otherwise afford.

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.”  Says Dr Shonowo. The surgery session officially opened on the 15th November and will close at the end of the year.

Assisting with the Shonowo Free Hernia surgery program, is Dr. Humphery Nwazuruokeh , of St. Anthony Medical centre. He said The Guardian that the Federal, State and Local governments should provide and implement more free programs for vulnerable people in the society who could not afford major surgery to enable them contribute their quota to nation building.

He added that the corporate bodies should also contribute through their corporate social responsibilities. Nwazuruokeh also believed that the competent traditional health practitioners and caregivers could be integrated in the health sector if they well trained and upgraded by the local government and other relevant institutions.

Among the existing and new beneficiaries were 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 , medical team family community and among others by providing free hernia surgeries for them.