By Our Reporter
Over 400 individuals benefited from a medical camp held at le Mémorial Hospital last week. Organised by Magnus Medi, a global medical value travel facilitator, in association with Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital, one of India’s top 10 hospitals and le Mémorial Hospital in Uganda, the 2-day camp offered free consultations and screening and referrals in cancer & gynaecological related issues such as fibroids, sexual dysfunctions, STDs, infertility and fistula.
Held on Friday and Saturday, it was conducted by specialist breast surgeons, gynaecologists, radiologists and medical oncologists from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital from India as well as le Mémorial Hospital in Uganda. The delegation from India was led by Dr. Ram Narain, Executive Director, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
According to Judith Komuhangi Sheenah, the MagnusMedia Uganda Country Manager, the decision to focus on cancer and gynaecologic conditions was informed by the fact that five of the leading killer gynaecological cancers – womb, ovarian, cervical, vaginal and vulval, all present symptoms similar to common gynecological ailments.
“For example, according to cancer of the cervix uteri is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. A 33.6% prevalence rate of the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer among women in Uganda, combined with low screening uptake has resulted in the country having one of the highest cervical cancer incidence rates in the world of 47.5 per 100,000 per year,” said Komuhangi.
“Early testing and treatment presents higher chances of recovery for all cancers. We believe therefore, that this medical camp, will add on the efforts of other stakeholders in raising awareness about the importance of early testing and access to affordable treatment here in Uganda and in India,” she added.
