The Central University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) this week embarked on a seven-week screening and surgical drive to be conducted at five public hospitals countrywide.

The exercise, that started on Monday, will see the first two weeks used for screening and the subsequent five weeks for surgery. It will cover patients from 29 hospitals in 21 districts in the country.

"The exercise does not only aim at taking services closer to the people, but also at reducing patient backlog at district hospitals. And each patient is expected to carry their medical history form, if any, and health insurance documents,” reads a statement from the hospital.

At least 3,200 patients are expected to have surgical review with 70 patients expected to undergo surgery every week through out the campaign.

The five hospitals that will host the surgical outreach programme include Musanze, Nyamata, Karongi, Nyagatare and Ngoma.

"Orthopedic, neuro, urologic, plastic, and general surgeries, among other services will be offered,” said Dr Theobald Hategekimana, the medical director of CHUK, during a news conference yesterday.

The exercise is being carried out in conjunction with the Ministry of Health.

According to Dr Faustin Ntirenganya, a surgeon at CHUK, by Thursday morning, 450 people had been screened out of the over 3,000 expected to turn up.

David Nzayikorera, a 15 year old resident of Ndego sector, Kayonza District, Eastern Province, who suffered a knee dislocation while playing football, was by press time waiting to consult with doctors at the hospital (CHUK), as part of the exercise.

"After consultation, I expect to undergo orthopedic surgery, and I am hopeful that this will put my leg back in shape,” he said.

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