In Limpopo province, Mopani District, a team of specialist doctors dedicated a week performing free medical procedures in hospitals.

The outreach project is known as Limpopo Rural Health Matters, which last week, rendered services to approximately 8 000 patients. The team comprised of paediatric, orthopaedic, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, as well as ophthalmologists, radiologists, and maxillofacial surgeons.

Of the extensive list of beneficiaries, 62-year-old Mamatjila Mhangwana received a knee replacement surgery. Another 77-year-old by the name Mamatelle Mpuru had a neck tumour removed.

Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba stated that the project came to fruition due to the shortage of specialists in the rural province.

“The project grew, and I asked the specialists to give us one week a month at least. We only provide them with accommodation and theatre space. Eight thousand patients have benefitted from the project, and we are still busy with it.

“I only ask them to give me one weekend a month. We are not paying these doctors. They are volunteering their time.”

Darul Ihsan Media Desk