IHAM Bridging the Gap to Free Surgical Care: 159 Procedures in 141 Cases
By Hajira Halilu
Admin & Communications Officer
Access to safe surgical and anesthesia care remains an elusive dream for many Malawians. Inadequate medical equipment, a shortage of specialists, and overcrowded hospitals leave countless patients waiting for critical interventions. To address this healthcare gap, the Islamic Health Association of Malawi (IHAM), in partnership with Physicians Across Continents (PAC) and the Ministry of Health, hosted a general surgical camp at Rev. John Chilembwe Hospital in Phalombe.
The week-long camp, held from October 19-24, provided free surgical care to underserved communities. IHAM’s Executive Director, Hajj Daitoni, highlighted the significance of the initiative. “This surgical camp aimed to bridge the gap in access to specialized healthcare services for vulnerable populations, demonstrating IHAM’s commitment to strengthening Malawi’s healthcare system,” he said.
Exceeding expectations, the camp managed 141 cases and performed 159 procedures, far surpassing the initial goal of 120 patients. Lead surgeon Professor Jamal Ghoshen of PAC underscored the broader impact of the initiative. “Beyond providing immediate care, we focused on building local capacity by sharing expertise with Malawian medical practitioners,” he explained.
The collaboration between IHAM and PAC is not new to Phalombe. Just two months prior, IHAM hosted a fistula repair camp that transformed the lives of 24 women. According to Dr. Sam Sibakwe, Director of Health Services at Phalombe District Health Office, such efforts are milestones in improving healthcare access. “The success of this general surgery camp, coupled with the previous fistula repair camp, highlights IHAM’s unwavering dedication to improving lives in our district,” he noted.
Patients who received life-changing care during the camp shared moving testimonies. One such patient, Thokozani Mercy Molande, underwent a cystectomy to remove a growth she had lived with for over a decade. “This selfless act has restored my dignity and independence. I can now live a normal life, free from pain and discomfort,” Molande said, expressing her deep gratitude.
The camp concluded with a recognition ceremony at Rev. John Chilembwe Hospital, where PAC surgeons and the local medical team were honored for their dedication and exceptional service.
IHAM’s efforts continue to shed light on the pressing need for sustainable, accessible healthcare in Malawi, proving that collaborative initiatives can pave the way for transformative change in underserved communities.
