Mulago Neurosurgical Camp Treats 41 Patients in Six Days

What the report says

Mulago National Referral Hospital has treated 41 patients in the first six days of a free neurosurgical camp that is scheduled to run for two weeks and end on August 21, according to Nile Post. The initiative is aimed at easing a backlog of people waiting for specialised brain, spine and nerve surgery, and it is targeting 100 beneficiaries overall.

The hospital said the camp is focusing on elective cases, especially patients who have waited a long time for theatre access. Those treated include adults and children with conditions such as brain tumours, spinal disorders, trauma-related injuries and hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain. Mulago said the procedures are being offered at no cost and are intended to improve mobility, reduce pain and support better quality of life.

A multidisciplinary team of nine neurosurgeons is carrying out the operations, using equipment including a surgical microscope to improve precision in complex cases. The hospital also said the exercise helps ease financial pressure on families who might otherwise seek expensive treatment in private facilities.

More broadly, the report reflects ongoing access challenges in Uganda’s neurosurgical services, where limited specialist staff and equipment have constrained capacity. Mulago has previously hosted similar camps with local and international specialists, which also serve as training opportunities for Ugandan medical teams.