More than 200 patients from underserved communities in Ghana needing surgeries have an opportunity to access free reconstructive surgeries at the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital.

Despite the growing expertise in reconstructive surgery, affordability remains a significant barrier for many patients who are suffering from social exclusion due to their physical deformities.

The free surgery intervention by the Brogya Foundation and the Restore Foundation aims at correcting congenital and acquired deformities, including severe burns, and accident injuries.

Ghana’s reconstructive surgery landscape has seen progress, with nearly thirty specialized surgeons now available.

However, individuals in desperate need of reconstructive surgeries are unable to access them due to financial constraints.

This situation leaves many with no choice but to endure social rejections and exclusions they face due to their deformities.

The free surgery procedures led by Nana Bediako Brogya Sarpong, Dompiahene, Agogo Traditional Area's Brogya Foundation, in collaboration with the Restore Foundation, are a critical intervention to restore underprivileged patients to their old functioning lives.

The outreach event screened over 300 patients, with 200 selected for surgery and a target of 150 successful transformations.

Director of Medical Affairs for the Restore Foundation, Dr Hoyt Williams says the intervention will allow patients to have transformed lives.

“We have nearly thirty surgeons in Ghana specializing in reconstructive procedures, so we’re progressing in terms of expertise, but the affordability of it. They are referred to top centres and hospitals and they don't go because they don't have the money.

“The aim is to provide reconstructive efforts to restore individuals with deformities either by birth or acquired deformities such as burns. These people have lost all their ability to socialize, and their functions are impaired. The mission of this is to provide free surgery to correct the situation,” he said.

The week-long mission at the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital is led by an international team of surgeons and medical experts volunteering skills and services.

General Manager of the Presbyterian Hospital, Agogo, Rev. Ezekiel Amadu Daribi commended the foundations, indicating the facility’s readiness to offer space for benevolent interventions.

“Surgeries at the hospital have high survival rates, and the team and infrastructure handling the intervention are up to the task. We have quite several people moving in from across the country here.

“The exercise happening today is a commendable one. And for us as a hospital, they couldn't have had any better place than here. And I am hopeful that the team of experts will also be up to the task,” he said.

Beneficiaries of the mission expressed their heartfelt appreciation, indicating the intervention will improve their lives.

“I have a hernia. And this is something I have been living with all my life. I farm, and I face daily pain trying to cope with it. There are some days that I have to just stay home and sleep. So this intervention has come right in time to save me,” a beneficiary expressed.