An outreach by a health-focused non-governmental organization, Volta Health Network has led to some people having their eyesight restored after several years of battling full and partial blindness.

The team performed about 130 eye surgeries during the 3-day humanitarian outreach at the Margaret Marquart and Anfoega Catholic hospitals in the Kpando Municipality and North Dayi District respectively in the Volta Region.

Over 50 volunteers of the Volta Health Network pitched camps at the hospitals to offer free health services to people who could not afford them.

An estimate of 500 patients were attended to, with about 200 surgeries conducted by specialists. The surgeries included; opthalmic surgery, obstetrics, gynecological, urological, and general surgeries.

“It was like a miracle for some of us. We came here with empty pockets and were worried about how much we would be charged. But we were told not to worry and that we won’t pay for the surgeries. We are so excited to have benefited from this outreach and grateful to the team”, a beneficiary said.

The Co-President of the Volta Health Network, Dr. Selasie Mortoti indicated that his outfit seeks to extend healthcare delivery to hard-to-reach areas across the Volta Region, and lauded the contribution of the specialists who volunteer their time and expertise to achieving this feat.

“We are united to the common goal of giving back to our people. We recognize that we are privileged, we are blessed, we have benefited from the people of Ghana and it’s time to use our expertise, knowledge, and resources to give back to our people. That is what drives us. It is not financial reward, there is something bigger than financial reward, and that reward is in the gratification of seeing the smiles on the faces of our people, that we can help them”, he said.

Dr. Mortoti disclosed that the previous outreaches saw over 1,100 residents in the Keta Municipality, Anlo, and Central Tongu Districts.

He added that Volta Health Network would expand its services and would need extra facilities to render the services to the patients in other catchment areas during future outreaches.

“We anticipate that next year we may have to employ three hospitals to be able to accommodate all of the volunteers and all of the services that we can provide”, he stressed.

The Kpando Director of Health, Dr. Samuel Abudey acknowledged the significant stride in healthcare delivery in his jurisdiction due to the services of Volta Health Network.

He lamented the lack of expertise in the municipality leading to frequent referrals of patients, which receives stiff opposition due to the misconception that they would die at the referral facility.

"The chiefs and people of Kpando Municipality are highly grateful to the Volta Health Network and their medical team for the 2024 outreach services."

The Kpando Municipal Chief Executive eulogized the significance of the outreach to the poor and vulnerable, who would have had no chance of receiving care due to their impoverished lifestyles.

“I am happy because most of my people wouldn’t have been able to raise the money to take care of their health. So for you to come all the way to save lives without my people spending a dime, I say kudos to you for the good work you are doing”, he said.

The Volta Health Network with support from the American Incorporated donated new surgical sets to the hospitals.