The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) has expressed concern over the surgical burden faced by many Nigerians, particularly those who cannot afford specialised surgical services due to rising medical costs.

UPTH disclosed this during the unveiling of its Surgical Inreach Programme for Indigent Patients, organised by the UPTH Premium, an arm of the hospital built to prevent medical tourism in the country.

In response to this challenge, the hospital said it is set to deliver 20 free surgeries, including prostatectomies and myomectomies for fibroid cases, to indigent individuals who have been carefully screened and selected.

The Chief Operations Officer, UPTH Premium, Johnny Usifor, noted that many patients with surgical cases do not have the means to seek healthcare, adding that the situation necessitated the facility’s Surgical Inreach.

According to him, the decision to offer these surgeries was influenced by the overwhelming response during the screening phase of the programme.

Johny noted that thousands of patients reached out to the facility, emphasising the extent of the surgical burden many Nigerians bear in silence.

He explained that the programme aims to provide relief to those who cannot afford the cost of these surgeries, emphasising that while these surgeries are common, they are often unaffordable for many Nigerians.

He said, “The Surgical Inreach is a special medical initiative targeted at delivering 10 free surgeries, specifically to myomectomies (for fibroid cases) and to prostatectomies (for prostate-related conditions), to individuals who have been carefully screened and selected based on need, urgency, and readiness for surgery.

“These procedures, while common, remain unaffordable for many Nigerians, due to rising medical costs and limited access to specialised surgical services.

“During the screening phase of this program, thousands of patients reached out, with many walking into the facility or calling in with hopes of being selected. After rigorous medical evaluation, only 20 individuals could be chosen.

“While this number represents a meaningful Impact, it also reveals the depth of the surgical burden many Nigerians carry in silence. The team at UPTH Premium recognises this and is therefore using the press conference not only to announce the program but to ignite wider conversations and collaborations around sustainable healthcare interventions.”

He expressed optimism that offering free surgeries will not only enhance the health outcomes of the selected individuals but also inspire broader discussions and collaborations on sustainable healthcare interventions.

He, however, called upon well-meaning individuals and non-governmental organisations to partner with the health facility in providing health services to indigent patients who cannot afford their medical bills.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Director of UPTH, Prof. Henry Ugboma, stated that the hospital has remained committed to providing health outreaches and inreach for the people, adding that it is a way of giving back to society.

Ugboma, who was represented by Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, CIMAC, UPTH, Prof. Dantonye Alasia, noted that the hospital is employing both outreach and inreach methods to address health issues in the country.

He said there is already an outreach ongoing for Cleft Lip, adding that UPTH conducts large-scale surgeries for children with these conditions.

He mentioned that the university teaching hospital has intervention programmes for eye treatment and cardiovascular services.

She stated that 20 cases for Uterine fibroid and prostate diseases might seem like a small number, but it is significant to each beneficiary it reaches.