More than 300 patients suffering from urethral complications have benefited from free medical screening and corrective surgeries at St Joseph’s Kitovu Hospital in Masaka.
The specialized medical camp, organized in partnership with the Eulogy Association of Uganda, aimed to provide lifesaving treatment to individuals grappling with urinary retention problems, which, if left untreated, can lead to severe health complications such as infections, kidney failure, and incontinence.
Dr Godfrey Kimbugwe, a specialist in surgical treatment at Kitovu Hospital, explained that many of the cases treated during the camp involved children born with congenital urethral defects and elderly men affected by urethral strictures due to aging or infections.
“Many of these conditions can be corrected with timely medical intervention. Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness and financial constraints, many people suffer in silence until the condition worsens,” Dr Kimbugwe said.
He urged those experiencing urinary difficulties to seek medical help early to avoid further complications.
The Eulogy Association of Uganda played a key role in supporting the medical camp, ensuring that all surgeries and treatments were provided either for free or at subsidized costs.
This assistance was particularly beneficial to patients who would otherwise struggle to afford such specialized medical care.
One of the beneficiaries, Godfrey Ssentongo from Luweero, shared his experience after suffering from a urethral complication for six years.
He had visited numerous hospitals in search of treatment but found lasting relief only at Kitovu Hospital.
"I had lost hope after several failed attempts to get treatment. This surgery has changed my life, and I am forever grateful to Kitovu Hospital," Ssentongo said.
Many of the patients who received treatment expressed their deep gratitude towards Kitovu Hospital and its partners for restoring their health and dignity. One of the beneficiaries remarked,
“This hospital has given us a second chance at life. We pray that such initiatives continue so that more people can receive the help they need.”
Following the success of this medical camp, doctors at Kitovu Hospital are calling for increased awareness and support to ensure more people suffering from urethral conditions can access timely and affordable treatment.