Health Services
Surgical Services (OPD/IPD)
The
Surgical Department has three main sections. A daily Outpatient clinic treats
minor surgical cases and other problems such as superficial wounds and dressings.
The Dental Clinic provides simple dental procedures and oral preventative health
education twice a week. The Inpatient facility manages trauma emergencies or
postoperative care of patients requiring more intensive and invasive treatment.
Minor operations and elective hernia repairs are performed in a small operating
room and an autoclave is used for sterilizations. The department is staffed by
seven health workers and a volunteer surgeon who visits for six months and provides
training and surgical support.
During 2004, there were 8187 surgical OPD cases, 420 surgical IPD admissions
and 104 referrals, an increase of 47% compared to 2003 and of 123% from 2002.
Approximately 20% of patients served by the Surgical Department are children
12 years or younger. The team services an average of 80 patients per day (including
dental services); the growing number in caseload is an increasing concern for
the Department against current staff and resource constraints. The limited space
and number of beds in the surgical inpatient facility is also further concern
given the burgeoning number in caseload.
Approximately 45% of OPD cases and 17% of IPD cases served by the Department
are females, including for conditions such as breast abscess. The need to create
more incentives to attract female medics to the Department, particularly to assist
with female patients, is also heeded by the Department. The Department also works
with and receives referrals from the Reproductive Health Department on maternal-
and family planning-related services such as for vasectomies and Norplant removals.
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