Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF), in partnership with the Society of Family Physicians of Ghana (SOFPOG) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has provided free specialist surgical care to 58 patients in Tarkwa and surrounding communities.
The programme was aimed at improving access to healthcare for vulnerable populations, strengthening primary healthcare delivery, promoting equitable access to quality medical services, and supporting community health interventions.
The medical teams screened 254 people and identified 71 patients who required surgical intervention. Out of the 71, a total of 58 successful surgeries were performed, with hernia cases accounting for the majority of procedures. The surgeries included 38 hernia repairs, eight lipoma removals, six hydrocele surgeries, four knee osteoarthritis-related procedures, and two fibroadenoma operations.
According to Madam Ayishetu Mohammed, Project Coordinator at the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, the company fully sponsored the outreach by providing drugs, medical supplies, consumables, and logistical support to ensure the smooth implementation of the exercise.
She explained that the programme largely benefited men, who accounted for 82.8 percent of surgical patients, while women represented 17.2 percent. She noted that many beneficiaries had delayed seeking treatment because of financial constraints, making the intervention critical in addressing long-standing health challenges.
Dr. Beatrice Sam Omidiji, Treasurer of the Society of Family Physicians of Ghana, explained that all 58 surgeries were completed successfully without any major complications. Beneficiaries received post-operative care, including wound dressing, prescribed medications, and follow-up reviews, with continued monitoring being undertaken at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital.
“The outreach also helped identify and address serious medical conditions that may have otherwise gone untreated, contributing to improved health outcomes for residents within the municipality and neighbouring communities,” she pointed out.
In recognition of the Foundation’s support for community healthcare delivery, SOFPOG presented the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation with a citation during its 12th Annual General Scientific Meeting. The award acknowledged the Foundation’s contribution toward the successful implementation of the free surgical outreach programme and its continued commitment to improving healthcare access in mining host communities.
Source: Kwame Malcolm/Empire FM/Takoradi
