A charity project providing free surgical treatment in Ghana has been relaunched by the Chinese medical team, with support from various Chinese enterprises and charity organizations.
Under the project titled “Minimally Invasive Surgery in Ghana & Seeing the Beautiful World,” the 13th batch of the Chinese medical team will continue to provide free surgical treatment for cataract patients, in addition to free laparoscopic surgeries at the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital, also known as the LEKMA Hospital in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
Some surgeries would be offered free of charge, while others would be available at a reduced cost.
At the launch, seven cheques totalling GHC550,000 and ¥ 150,000 Yen have been provided by sponsors to cover last year’s surgeries and serve as seed capital for surgeries in 2024 and 2025.
The sponsors of the charity project include the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce, One Heart Fund, Beijing United Charity Foundation, Ghana Association of Chinese Societies, and the Chinese Community Centre in Ghana.
The project aims to assist cataract patients with a GHC 2,000 surgery cost and provide partial payments for laparoscopic surgeries.
Launched in December 2022, the charity project has assisted 94 cataract patients and 25 patients requiring laparoscopic surgeries.
The hospital will also provide services for patients with hernias and ectopic pregnancies, among other conditions.
Additionally, cataract patients receive free eyeglasses as part of the initiative.
Dr. Hafiz Adam Taher, director of external health cooperation at the Technical Coordinating Department of Ghana’s Ministry of Health who spoke on behalf of the sector minister, noted that the relaunch of the minimally invasive surgery initiative not only showcases advanced medical technology in Ghana but also highlights the power of institutional collaboration for the benefit of society.
“This initiative represents not only the advancement of medical technology in Ghana but also the power of cooperation between nations and institutions for the greater good,” Taher said.
He emphasized the numerous advantages of minimally invasive surgery, including reduced risk of cross infections and its potential to alleviate the “no bed syndrome,” as patients required shorter hospital stays.
Dr. Adams said that the charity project, launched in December 2022, had transformed the lives of many, particularly through cataract surgeries that have restored vision and enhanced overall quality of life.
“The project shows that when we work together across borders, sectors, and institutions, we can overcome the barriers that prevent access to quality healthcare.
“The continued support from the China Medical Team and the business community, is a testament of the deep and ensuring relationship between Ghana and China,” he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa said during the project’s relaunch that medical and health care are two of the most important parts of the China-Ghana cooperation.
For that reason, China has been actively supporting the development of Ghana’s health system for many years.
Tong said China has, therefore, been taking various steps to help Ghana improve access to and quality of healthcare.
“China has been upgrading Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure, including funding and building the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital, helping build the capacity of local ophthalmologists, and sponsoring cataract surgeries for Ghanaians for years.”
The ambassador noted that over the past 15 years, China has sent 13 batches of medical teams with more than 100 highly skilled doctors from various specialties to Ghana, and part of their focus has been free cataract surgeries.
“By providing free surgeries for local cataract patients, Chinese medical teams have helped many Ghanaians restore vision and improved their quality of life,” Tong added.
In July this year, over 17 medical officers from Ghana travelled to China for a month-long training program focused on laparoscopic surgical techniques across various specialized fields.
Dr. Zhang Rijia, leader of the 13th batch of the China Medical Team, remarked that there were many people with issues that required assistance.
“We, with the assistance of the Chinese government, have the obligation to help those who are suffering from financial need.”
Dr. Zhang said the charity project would also introduce advanced medical technology to LEKMA Hospital to aid in the training of local medical teams and enhance medical practices.
Dr. Akua Gyimah-Asante, medical superintendent of the LEKMA Hospital, noted that minimally invasive surgery is the cornerstone of modern medicine, providing patients with safer, faster, and more efficient surgical care.
Gyimah-Asante said the initiative by the Chinese medical team has enabled patients to heal faster, reduce their risk of complications, and return to their daily activities sooner.
Since December 2022, the Chinese medical teams have conducted 94 free successful cataract surgeries and 25 free laparoscopic surgeries for Ghanaians under the charity project.
“This funding was strategically allocated to two key areas of Interventions: full sponsorship for cataract surgeries, which covered a unit cost of GHC2,000 per patient, and partial sponsorship for laparoscopic surgeries, offered GHC 1,500 per patient.
“I am thrilled to report that since the project inception, LEKMA Hospital has been able to perform a total of 94 cataract surgeries. This means that 94 of our fellow citizens – our fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers have regained their visions,” she said.
Dr. Gyimah-Asante said that the surgeries were valued at GHC172,000, funded entirely by the generosity of donors.
She also mentioned that their minimally invasive surgery programme was partially supported by the charity fund.
