By: Seraphine Nyuiemedi
R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Worldwide Inc. the Foundation for Reconstructive Surgery has conducted free reconstructive surgeries for some patients at the Ho Teaching Hospital in the Volta Region.
The exercise which was conducted within a one-week period (6th November to 7th) saw 132 people with a wide range of cases benefiting.
The founder and Chief Executive Officer of R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Dr. Michael K. Obeng, said the team also trained and sensitised local medical professionals on the latest techniques and safety measures in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This he said will help them to effect change in their respective communities even in the absence of Restore.
He was speaking in an interview with GBC News at the Ho Teaching Hospital after the exercise.
R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Worldwide Inc. which was established in the year 2008 by a Ghanaian-American Harvard trained plastic surgeon is a globally recognised non-profit organisation with the aim of transforming lives and restoring hope through free reconstructive surgeries across the world.
Since its establishment, R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Worldwide Inc. has conducted a 100 million dollars worth of surgeries with over 1,900 lives being changed through its 3+ medical mission trips conducted annually.
The 35 volunteer team of health officials comprises experts in plastic and reconstructive surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical techs and nurses from the United States, France, Germany, Belgium, Morocco, Ghana, Mali, and the United Kingdom.
The team of health officials led by a world-renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael K. Obeng, conducted surgeries on people with cases such as cleft lip, cleft palate, sternal keloids, lipoma, LT axillary breast, lower lip bite, benign spindle cell tumor, post burns on Lt foot, post wound contracture of Lt, growth on the Lt lower eye area, RT ala nasi defect, among others.
Prior to the exercise, over 500 patients were screened by the local team led by Dr. White Williams from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Michael K. Obeng said although there are surgeons in the country who provide such services, most people with such health conditions cannot afford to undergo surgeries due to the high cost involved.
Dr. Obeng who was saddened by the recent closure of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital renal dialysis unit urged the government to prioritise health care and provide subsidy for such patients.
“Some of these cases local doctors can do it but unfortunately the cost. It’s cheaper when the local guys do it, but the average patient in Ghana doesn’t have any money and if they do, they don’t prioritise health. People believe that health should be free, to some extent. A country like Ghana is still developing and the cost of living is high. I heard the average daily wage is about a dollar fifty so just imagine a person who’s been asked to pay 400 Ghana cedis to have surgery, they rather stay home and their disease process will get worse.”
“And with organisations like our organisation RESTORE when we come, we give them hope because they don’t have to pay anything out of their pockets. And also the government has to do a little bit much more better because most of these patients need subsidies. I found out this morning that the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital renal dialysis centre had to be shut down because of a 4 million cedi, it’s sad we can do better ” he said.
Dr. Obeng though enthused about the success of the exercise said he has no plans of returning to Ghana for such humanitarian services as most Ghanaians are reluctant in sponsoring or assisting his team. Dr. Obeng commended the first Sky Group for the sponsorship, the Ho Teaching Hospital, all volunteers and stakeholders who made the exercise a success.
