A 10-day eye surgery campaign at Rumbek State Hospital in Lakes State, South Sudan, was disrupted by an unreliable electricity supply, prompting visiting medical personnel to call for the installation of a standby generator. The campaign, which screened 1,424 patients and recorded 522 surgical procedures, was led by a team of medical professionals from Juba. Despite the challenges, the team exceeded its initial target, providing much-needed eye care services to patients in the region.
The medical team, led by Dr. Hellen Atti Vuni, a cataract surgeon at Juba Teaching Hospital, faced several challenges during the campaign, including frequent power interruptions and inadequate surgical equipment. According to John Mayik, an ophthalmologist and member of the visiting medical team, power issues were particularly prevalent in the afternoons, affecting the sterilization of surgical equipment and surgical activities. The team has recommended providing a standby generator and adequate examination equipment to improve service delivery during future campaigns.
The campaign identified various eye conditions among patients, including age-related eye diseases, traumatic injuries, and secondary infections. Dr. Hellen Atti Vuni stated that some patients with irreversible eye conditions could not undergo surgery, as their sight could not be restored through an operation. The team provided medication to patients who underwent surgery, expected to last for one month, and advised them to return for follow-up examinations.
Despite the conclusion of the campaign, the eye clinic at Rumbek State Hospital will remain operational, with medical personnel and medicines available to support patients. Dr. Hellen Atti Vuni confirmed that patients who were screened but did not undergo surgery would continue to be assessed and registered for possible future treatment. The team also commended the state authorities, hospital administration, and partners for providing accommodation, meals, and logistical support throughout the campaign.
Dr. Teran Madit, Director General at the Ministry of Health, commended the medical team for performing over 500 surgical procedures within 10 days despite logistical and technical challenges. He stated that the large number of patients seeking treatment reflected the growing demand for eye care services in Lakes State, where access to specialized medical services remains limited. Dr. Madit called for more frequent eye surgery campaigns and upgrading the eye care unit at Rumbek State Hospital to a secondary-level facility.
The Ministry of Health aims to bring specialized healthcare services closer to the people, according to Dr. Teran Madit. He advocated for expanding eye care services to county hospitals to reduce the burden on patients who travel long distances to Rumbek for treatment. Patients who underwent surgery expressed gratitude to the Lakes State Ministry of Health for facilitating the campaign, and one patient, Elizabeth Aluel Dut, shared her positive experience with the community.
The medical team's efforts have provided much-needed eye care services to patients in Lakes State, and the campaign's success highlights the need for continued support and investment in healthcare infrastructure. Key points from the campaign include the need for a reliable power supply, adequate surgical equipment, and expanded eye care services to county hospitals. The campaign's impact will be felt in the region, with patients receiving much-needed treatment and care.
Key points
- The campaign screened 1,424 patients and recorded 522 surgical procedures, exceeding its initial target.
- The medical team faced challenges, including frequent power interruptions and inadequate surgical equipment.
- The eye clinic at Rumbek State Hospital will remain operational, providing ongoing support to patients.
