A team of specialist surgeons is offering free operations to residents of Mwansabombwe District this week as part of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service's monthly surgical camp at Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital.

Operating from Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital from December 2nd to 8th, the medical team includes cataract surgeon Oliver Chenga and theater nurse Clifford Malichi from Solwezi General Hospital, general surgeon Dr. Tazrussell Mwenya from Mansa General Hospital, and anesthetist Elizabeth Mutale.

The outreach brings essential surgical services directly to residents of Mwansabombwe, Kazembe, Mbereshi, Chitolwe, Lifubu, and Kifwemamine.

The team is performing cataract removals for patients experiencing cloudy or blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, or faded colors. They are also treating general surgical conditions including hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, and the removal of masses or lumps.

Dr. Sage Mukoya, Senior Medical officer, emphasized the mission's importance: "The ZFDS specialized team is essential in that it provides services that are available in major hospitals. This combined surgical camp is critical as it is more cost-saving than medical evacuations, helping several patients without the need to travel to either Lusaka or Ndola."

Patients can attend Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital for screening and, if surgery is required, receive their operation and post-operative care at the same facility.

The initiative is part of ZFDS's ongoing commitment to bring specialist medical care to underserved rural communities, with surgical camps held monthly at Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital.