By Joyce Danso
Accra, Sept. 27, GNA – The thirteenth batch of the Chinese Medical Team, in collaboration with LEKMA Hospital, is set to begin surgeries for cataract patients and laparoscopic procedures for those with various conditions.
Some surgeries would be offered free of charge, while others would be available at a reduced cost.
This was disclosed at a charity project donations and renewal ceremony at LEKMA Hospital in Accra.
To this end, seven cheques ranging from GHC 550,000 to 150,000 Yuan have been provided by sponsors to cover last year’s surgeries and serve as seed capital for surgeries in 2024 and 2025.
The charity project, dubbed “Minimally Invasive Surgery in Ghana and Seeing the Beautiful World,” aims to assist cataract patients with a GHC 2,000 surgery cost and provide partial payments for laparoscopic surgeries.
Launched in December 2022, the charity project has assisted 94 cataract patients and 25 patients requiring laparoscopic surgeries.
The hospital will also provide services for patients with hernias and ectopic pregnancies, among other conditions.
Additionally, cataract patients receive free eyeglasses as part of the initiative.
Dr. Hafiz Adams, Director for Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, who spoke on behalf of the sector minister, noted that the relaunch of the minimally invasive surgery initiative not only showcases advanced medical technology in Ghana but also highlights the power of institutional collaboration for the benefit of society.
He emphasized the numerous advantages of minimally invasive surgery, including reduced risk of cross infections and its potential to alleviate the “no bed syndrome,” as patients required shorter hospital stays.
Dr. Adams said that the charity project, launched in December 2022, had transformed the lives of many, particularly through cataract surgeries that have restored vision and enhanced overall quality of life.
“The project shows that when we work together across borders, sectors, and institutions, we can overcome the barriers that prevent access to quality healthcare.
“The continued support from the China Medical Team and the business community, is a testament of the deep and ensuring relationship between Ghana and China,” he said.
Mr. Tong Defa, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, said that medical and healthcare collaboration was a key aspect of Ghana-China cooperation.
He noted that China had actively supported the development of Ghana’s healthcare sector for many years, focusing on improving access to quality healthcare services.
Mr. Tong noted that China has also contributed to enhancing Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly through the establishment of the Ghana-China Friendship Hospital.
Additionally, China has focused on building the capacity of local ophthalmologists and sponsoring cardiology surgeries for many years.
Mr. Tong mentioned that over the past 15 years, China had dispatched the 13th batch of medical teams to Ghana, consisting of over 100 specialists to offer their expertise.
In July this year, over 17 medical officers from Ghana traveled to China for a month-long training program focused on laparoscopic surgical techniques across various specialized fields.
Dr. Zhang Rijia, leader of the 13th batch of the China Medical Team, remarked that there were many people and issues that required assistance.
“We, with the assistance of the Chinese government, have the obligation to help those who are suffering from financial need.”
Dr. Zhang said the charity project would also introduce advanced medical technology to LEKMA Hospital to aid in the training of local medical teams and enhance medical practices.
Dr. Akua Gyimah-Asante, Medical Superintendent of LEKMA Hospital, recalled the establishment of a fund dedicated to sponsoring surgeries that would transform the lives of many Ghanaians.
“This funding was strategically allocated to two key areas of Interventions: full sponsorship for cataract surgeries, which covered a unit cost of GHC2,000 per patient, and partial sponsorship for laparoscopic surgeries, offered GHC 1,500 per patient.
“I am thrilled to report that since the project inception, LEKMA Hospital has been able to perform a total of 94 cataract surgeries. This means that 94 of our fellow citizens – our fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers have regained their visions,” she said.
Dr. Gyimah-Asante said that the surgeries were valued at GHC172,000, funded entirely by the generosity of donors.
She also mentioned that their minimally invasive surgery programme was partially supported by the charity fund.
The sponsors of the charity project include the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce, One Heart Fund, Beijing United Charity Foundation, Ghana Association of Chinese Societies, and the Chinese Community Centre in Ghana.
GNA