Health Ministry welcomes US team for free joint surgeries
The Ministry of Health has welcomed the Operation Walk Syracuse team from New York, USA, as they embark on their latest humanitarian mission to provide free joint replacement surgeries for Ghanaians.
The delegation, comprising orthopaedic surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists and volunteers, will collaborate with staff at St Joseph’s Hospital in Koforidua to perform essential hip and knee replacements.
This initiative is expected to restore mobility and offer renewed hope to patients who would otherwise be unable to access such specialist care.
Welcoming the team on behalf of the Minister for Health, Hon Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Director of Allied Health and Lead for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Dr Ignatius Awinibuno, expressed appreciation for the group’s continued partnership and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Ghana.
“Your intervention aligns perfectly with Ghana’s national health policy, which seeks to ensure that primary healthcare is accessible to all, with additional support for specialist care through initiatives like MahamaCares,” Dr Awinibuno said.
He assured the visiting team of the Ministry’s full support to ensure the success of the mission and encouraged them to take time to experience Ghana’s rich culture and hospitality.
Also present at the welcoming ceremony were Mr Tony Goodman, Spokesperson to the Health Minister and Head of the Health Training Institutions Unit, as well as officials from St Joseph’s Hospital, the local host facility.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, Kim Murray, Executive Director of Operation Walk Syracuse, highlighted the impact of their work on patients’ lives.
“We have seen how transformative joint replacement surgery is in restoring mobility and dignity. Here in Ghana, so many live with pain simply because they lack access to such care. That is why we are here, and why Ghana holds such a special place in our hearts,” she added.
