Mulago conducts 25 hip replacement surgeries

What the report says

Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala has carried out 25 hip replacement operations for patients living with sickle cell disease, according to The Independent Uganda’s report based on URN. The procedures were done during a free surgical camp that was set to end on Friday and were aimed at treating osteonecrosis, a condition in which bone tissue dies because of reduced blood flow.

Dr Philip Kasirye, who leads Mulago’s Sickle Cell Clinic, said bone complications affect a portion of the clinic’s daily patients and that many people cannot afford the surgery they need. The report said the hospital had spent about ten days performing the free operations after receiving donated implants. Doctors also said that, without surgery, many patients are left with pain management and mobility aids such as crutches.

Mulago orthopaedic surgeon Dr Alex Bangirana said hip replacement is usually too expensive for most patients, even when the hospital subsidises the cost. Hospital executive director Dr Rosemary Byanyima said Mulago has trained surgeons but often lacks the implants and other supplies required for such procedures, while infrastructure and funding remain constrained. The hospital also reported pressure at its sickle cell day care centre because of growing patient numbers.

State minister for primary health care Dr Charles Ayume said the government planned to improve infrastructure and make better use of intensive care capacity at Mulago. RareMark Foundation, which registered participants for the camp, said demand was high, suggesting a large unmet need for specialised sickle cell treatment.