Rural Medical and Surgical Outreach Mission: Experience of International College of Surgeons (The Nigerian National Section)

Abstract

Nigeria lacks an equitable healthcare system. Low earnings characterize the income in rural areas where 55% of Nigerians who cannot afford basic medical care live. An organized rural medical and surgical outreach program can augment the formal healthcare system. Objective: To key into the International College of Surgeons Humanitarian Surgery Program by providing surgical specialists through collaboration to a sustainable free medical and surgical program. Methodology: International College of Surgeons (The Nigerian National Section), Imo State zone collaborated with Mbano National Assembly Inc. USA to do a Free Medical and Rural Surgical Outreach Mission at Mbano Joint Hospital March 14–18, 2016. Personnel to cover the clinical and nonclinical areas were recruited by the zonal branch of International College of Surgeons. Mbano National Assembly funded the project with $22,963.83. Results: Some 5028 patients attended. Of these, 2900 received attention, 800 medical, 512 surgical and urology, 262 obstetrics and gynecology, 270 pediatrics, 800 ophthalmic, and 500 received counseling, while 1500 received health education and 25, physiotherapy. Screening for prostate cancer was done for 146, 200 for human immunodeficiency virus and 110 for Hepatitis B virus. Surgical procedures on 88 patients, 1193 outpatient pharmacy dispensing, and 31 in-patients were recorded. Conclusion: Collaboration between sections of International College of Surgeons and non-governmental organizations already involved in rural free medical missions is feasible.