By Gladys Fred Kole
A free medical consultation camp has kicked off at Juba Teaching Hospital.
The campaign dubbed as Hapato Pancreto Biliary Consultation Camp is being organized by MOIT International Chennai, an Indian-based, and will run for three days. Expected to end on the 11th of November, 2023.
The aim is to provide a complete solution for all liver, biliary, gallbladder, digestive, pancreatic, and blood vessel-related disorders.
Mohammed Izzelarab, Adam MOIT’s vice president of overseas marketing explained that they are conducting free medical camps of screening with regard to liver, hepatitis, and abdominal issues.
“Our target is 100 per day, but the doctor is used to that, and he is capable of seeing even more and has promised to see all those who have come per day.” Mohammed
“We have noticed that there’s a lot of hepatitis cases; this really needs to be addressed. Some people need to know about this disease. It is harmless if you take treatment and monitor it. Before it affects the liver and causes more trouble, the earlier the doctor keeps monitoring, that will be good,” Mohammed emphasized.
Dr. IIango Sethu Hepato, a Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, and Transplant Surgeon, who came from India said the screening was meant to review previous cases, but some of the people visiting are not on treatment at all, so when they come here for consultations, they have to first take the tests.
“There are already patients; what we are trying to do is see the extent of disease they have and whether they need additional care. Once we start the treatment, they can follow up locally.”
Dr. IIango said he is ready to attend to more than the number of people who have registered to meet him online.
“The average consult required time in Asia and Africa is probably around 5 minutes; I think most doctors know how to do it within this time, but the specialist consultation takes more because they have to do the tests individually” IIango stated.
He cited that a lot of people from here visit MOIT for treatment, especially for cases of advanced cancer, especially liver, colon, and intestine cancer, which he operates on and treats.
“That kind of treatment is not available in South Sudan or Sudan.”
“We try to give them some concession in the treatment; India is affordable compared to the Middle East; they usually afford it,” IIango lamented.
Betty Sumaya, a mother of an 11-month-old Lamarche Ethan patient, who was referred to India has expressed concerns about the lack of funds to facilitate the process.
Sumaya, was among the people registered for the consultation, she said she is now relieved as her husband who is a teacher could not afford the 2,500$ that would facilitate her travel to India.
“Their visit is okay, but people who can’t afford to travel to India need help,” Sumaya
Ethan has been diagnosed with liver problems since he was 3 months old, and the doctor has advised that he should be taken to India for further treatment. He needs a liver transplant.
“The sickness started at 3 months; that’s when we were transferred from Prime Hospital to Nakasero in Kampala, where we were referred to India.”
Ngong Ngong Deng, a money transfer manager, and Ayar Dir, a student, traveled all the way from Aweil to meet the doctor. Both patients were pleased with the visit of the specialist and were seen lining up to receive treatment.
“We registered last week; the line is not moving well; we started lining up since morning but haven’t reached the doctor because some people are just flocking yet they didn’t even register online.”
“A lot of people are sick in the States but can’t afford to make it here; it would be great if such services could reach the people at the grassroots, which the government should support.”
Last month, Deng was diagnosed with hepatitis B.
“We need such doctors to keep visiting; we don’t have someone here who can manage such cases when they come; we welcome them dearly.”
During this camp, MOIT will conduct a comprehensive health evaluation and provide a personalized treatment plan for patients.