Mulago gets brain surgery machine
Aug 22, 2010
THE Mulago Hospital department of neurosurgery has received equipment for the surgery and treatment of people suffering from hydrocephalus, an abnormal condition of the brain.
By Mark Owor
THE Mulago Hospital department of neurosurgery has received equipment for the surgery and treatment of people suffering from hydrocephalus, an abnormal condition of the brain.
“Every year, the hospital handles about 200 babies and 20 adults with hydrocephalus. The assistance we are receiving today will go a long way to saving many lives,†said the hospital’s deputy director, Isaac Ezati.
Ezati, who was on Friday receiving the equipment worth sh130m, said hydrocephalus is the accumulation of cerebral spinal fluids on the brain, causing severe pressure and eventual swelling of the head. The equipment was donated by MTN Uganda.
He said the treatment of the disease required surgery and monitoring. Ezati explained that due to lack of resources, the hospital was able to provide intermediate solutions to only 50% of the patients.
According to the statistics, over 3,000 children get hydrocephalus each year. If untreated, children with the condition are likely to die before the age of four or suffer permanent brain damage.
He said patients were usually required to meet the costs of the treatment. “It is with great pleasure that we receive the support. Now that we have the equipment, the treatment will be free.â€
Themba Khumalo the head of MTN Uganda, said his firm was committed to improving the health care of the communities in which they operate.
THE Mulago Hospital department of neurosurgery has received equipment for the surgery and treatment of people suffering from hydrocephalus, an abnormal condition of the brain.
“Every year, the hospital handles about 200 babies and 20 adults with hydrocephalus. The assistance we are receiving today will go a long way to saving many lives,†said the hospital’s deputy director, Isaac Ezati.
Ezati, who was on Friday receiving the equipment worth sh130m, said hydrocephalus is the accumulation of cerebral spinal fluids on the brain, causing severe pressure and eventual swelling of the head. The equipment was donated by MTN Uganda.
He said the treatment of the disease required surgery and monitoring. Ezati explained that due to lack of resources, the hospital was able to provide intermediate solutions to only 50% of the patients.
According to the statistics, over 3,000 children get hydrocephalus each year. If untreated, children with the condition are likely to die before the age of four or suffer permanent brain damage.
He said patients were usually required to meet the costs of the treatment. “It is with great pleasure that we receive the support. Now that we have the equipment, the treatment will be free.â€
Themba Khumalo the head of MTN Uganda, said his firm was committed to improving the health care of the communities in which they operate.