Dar Free Hydrocele camp draws big turnout in public

DAR ES SALAAM: A TOTAL of 27 hydrocele patients have so far undergone successful surgery at the ongoing free hydrocele surgery camp in Dar es Salaam, which commenced on January 5 this year.

The camp, which is scheduled to run until January 30, has attracted an encouraging turnout, with 165 residents from Dar es Salaam and neighbouring regions presenting themselves for medical screening. Out of those screened, 127 patients were diagnosed as requiring surgical intervention and have since been scheduled for operations.

This was disclosed on Thursday by the Dar es Salaam Regional Medical Officer (RMO), Dr Mohammed Mang’una, during a press briefing held to highlight the progress achieved by the camp. The briefing was officiated by the Kinondoni District Commissioner, Mr Saad Mtambule, who represented the Regional Commissioner.

“The exercise started on January 5 and will continue until January 30 this year. So far, we have reached 165 citizens who have undergone initial screening. Out of these, 127 have been confirmed to require surgery and have been scheduled accordingly. As of yesterday, we successfully performed surgery on 27 patients,” said Dr Mang’una.

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He added that all surgeries were conducted safely and that patients are currently under close medical observation for 48 hours, after which those in stable condition will be discharged. The surgeries are being carried out at Kirakala Health Centre in Temeke and Kinondoni Health Centre in Dar es Salaam, with more than 500 patients expected to benefit from the initiative.

Similar surgery camps are also planned in other regions, including Lindi, Mtwara, Tanga, Mbeya and Morogoro. Speaking at the event, District Commissioner Saad Mtambule urged all citizens experiencing symptoms or suspecting that they may have hydrocele to come forward in large numbers to health facilities for screening and timely treatment.

“I would like to commend the Ministry of Health, the regional leadership, and the entire team of health professionals for their tremendous efforts. Screening is currently ongoing for all residents with hydrocele symptoms at health facilities across all districts in the region.

Hydrocele surgeries are being conducted at Kinondoni Health Center as well as in Temeke District. I call upon all citizens with symptoms or who suspect they may have hydrocele to report to health facilities for examination and appropriate treatment in a timely manner,” he said.

He said that the camp is part of national efforts to eliminate hydrocele, as the surgery helps restore patients’ health, dignity and ability to participate fully in social and economic activities.