Free surgeries give patients new lease of life

Ashley Phiri-Bulawayo Bureau

A BULAWAYO man who had lived with a painful lump on his neck for the past 20 years has been given a new lease on life after a team of South Korean surgeons successfully removed the growth during a free medical camp in the city.

For Mr Leonard Wurayayi (67), the lump had been more than just a physical burden. It was a source of constant discomfort, stigma, and emotional distress. Each day was a battle against fatigue and persistent headaches.

What started as a small swelling years ago grew into a prominent mass that not only affected his appearance but also made simple tasks like swallowing and turning his head difficult.

“This is a new beginning for me, I feel much lighter. The lump on my neck had been constantly growing. I couldn’t afford surgery, and the pain was becoming unbearable, but these doctors changed my life,” said Mr Wurayayi, fighting back tears of joy.

No longer burdened by pain and self-consciousness, he looks forward to returning to his normal life with a renewed sense of confidence and gratitude.

“Now, I can finally look at my grandchildren without feeling ashamed, and for that, I am grateful,” said Mr Wurayayi.

He was one of dozens of patients who benefitted from an ongoing five-day surgical outreach programme conducted at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) by a delegation of specialist surgeons from South Korea.

The initiative, a partnership between the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA), South Korean medical volunteers and local health professionals, focused on providing life-changing surgeries to patients who could not afford expensive procedures

The programme, which was launched on Monday, offers free plastic surgery to patients suffering from various ailments, including cleft lip, facial reconstruction as well as lumps and bumps. Both young and old people are benefiting from the programme.

The programme has already provided hope and healing to several patients, including 51-year-old Ms Save Moyo, who has long lived with a large lump on her arm.

Our Bulawayo Bureau caught up with the woman as she waited patiently for her turn in the hospital waiting area.

In an interview, Ms Moyo reflected on the challenges her condition caused in her life.

“Finding clothes that fit is a struggle, and it has affected my confidence. I am so thankful for this opportunity and looking forward to life after surgery, “she said.

Ms Moyo said the surgery would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, visited UBH yesterday to witness the impact of the initiative first-hand. She lauded the collaboration between UBH and the SDA.

“This skills transfer programme is a demonstration of the hospital and the church’s commitment to complement Government efforts in providing quality healthcare. It also reaffirms that Zimbabwe is a friend to all nations and an enemy to none,” she said.

SDA’s Bulawayo East church elder Thabani Moyo said the programme aligns with the church’s mandate to promote health.

“Our health expos and initiatives like this are crucial for promoting collaboration with different countries and promoting a healthy nation. The initiators of this programme, Dr Felix Nhoro and Mrs Nomathemba Nhoro are also products of a skills transfer programme in Michigan, United States of America,” he said.

One of the Korean surgeons, Dr Shin Yong Kyu said they are happy to partner and share knowledge with local doctors while helping people in need.

“This is my fifth time in Africa, and I’m happy to be in Zimbabwe sharing knowledge and skills with local doctors while helping patients in need of the services we are providing here for the next three days,” he said.

Dr Kyu said they had planned to do 40 surgeries. However, due to the overwhelming response, they are likely to increase the number.

UBH chief medical officer, Dr William Busumani said: “We are fortunate that this is a skills transfer programme, meaning our doctors are also gaining valuable experience. The surgeries are free, which is a great advantage for the entire community.”