Stop going abroad for surgeries - Association of Surgeons

Uganda has many surgeries going on across major hospitals but the majority of the public continues to fly out of the country in search of even the most basic medical operations.

This has become a concern for surgeons led by the President of the Association of Surgeons of Uganda Dr. Frank Asiimwe.

“We are going to be having all the different sub-specialties exhibiting the different things they have been doing and see what is available in the country.”

“Some people have erroneously sought help outside the country when many things are available such as bariatric surgery for those who are overweight, things like laparoscopic surgery or key-hole surgeries, not just in Mulago but across the whole the country. Many people are doing surgeries and the country need to know about them,” says Dr. Asiimwe.

His remarks come ahead of the 2nd Surgical Landscape Exhibition slated for 26^th March 2024 at Kololo Ceremonial grounds aimed to provide insights into the surgical advancements in the country, also to enable policymakers to help close the gaps in the sector through funding.

There are over 20 sub-specialists some of which have evolved over the past 30 years even as Uganda is still playing catch up.

Also expected in the exhibition is the Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons Society Uganda (PRASSU) which will showcase advanced surgical skills.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwiine, the law does not permit the medical profession to advertise their services but because of the negative publicity of the health sector, many people opt to seek services in other countries both in government and the private sector.

“The law cannot be amended because it is part of our ethics and so we cannot behave like herbalists. So we need resources for specialized medicines and smart and strategic funding for the health sector," notes Dr.Atwiine.

Uganda has between 300 to 400 registered surgeons whose distribution is skewed, with the majority believed to be in the capital and others in towns according to the Association of Surgeons of Uganda.