Times Of Swaziland: COMPASSIONATE MEDICINE FOR EVERY LAST ONE

COMPASSIONATE MEDICINE FOR EVERY LAST ONE
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Editor on 14/11/2024 13:23:00


Sir,
“I feel honoured that you decided to place your trust in me to carry out your
procedure.” These humbling words came from the unassuming Dr Gregory Stocks,
MD, the esteemed Chief of Staff and Lead Orthopedic Surgeon from Houston,
accompanied by his enthusiastic local medical team training in joint
replacements at The Luke Commission (TLC).As he stood at the end of my hospital
bed during his post-operative ward round last Thursday, I instinctively knew I
was in good hands. Ironically, at that moment, I was reading a horrifying
front-page story in the Eswatini News about a 17-year-old mother who had bled to
death after complications from a C-section at Mankayane Government Hospital.
Tragedy
She had travelled over 90 kilometres, likely alone, only to be denied assistance
at two government hospitals due to a lack of blood and a non-functioning
operating theatre. This tragedy highlights the failures of a struggling
healthcare system. It is troubling to see how quickly our country has regressed
from the ten-point action plan announced by the Ministry of Health, intended to
ensure adequate healthcare for all. Many emaSwati have lost confidence in the
government’s ability to provide acceptable medical care, as hospitals are
overwhelmed and continuously face crises. If you were to look up the quietly
confident grey-haired professional at my bedside, you would find nothing but
positive reviews for the over 12 000 hip or knee replacements he has performed
in his distinguished career since 1987. He now operates at the Texas Orthopedic
Hospital, recognised as one of the finest facilities in the southwest United
States.
A man of faith, he generously shares his time and expertise through the
WalkStrong Foundation (WSF). Founded in 2008 by Dr Michael Christie, the WSF
aims to provide sustainable joint replacement programmes in underserved
communities like Eswatini. By sourcing high-quality, low-cost implants that meet
US safety standards, training local surgeons, and ensuring a sterile environment
at TLC, the WSF seeks to improve access to life-changing surgery, free of
charge, thanks to the generosity of TLC. Compassionate individuals are dedicated
to building sustainable programmes while training local specialists to continue
this vital work year-round.
An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Commitment to TLC
An orthopedic surgeon travelled halfway around the world from the United States
to spend five days at TLC last week, performing surgery on approximately 30 Very
Important Patients (VIPs) in urgent need of hip or knee replacements to enhance
their quality of life. This underscores the high calibre of international
medical expertise that TLC attracts, as these professionals share the
organisation’s values and mission of providing First World healthcare and
“compassionate medicine to every last one.”  Interestingly, when I shared my
decision to undergo a full knee replacement with close friends, they inquired
about which private hospital in South Africa I would be using. They were
somewhat taken aback when I revealed that I planned to have the procedure under
local anaesthetic at TLC.
Choice
My choice was not driven by the cost but rather by the exceptional quality of
medical care I received 24/7 before, during, and after the operation. The
availability of necessary pain relief, blood, oxygen and the unwavering support
of the in-house physiotherapy team from day one of my recovery, which continues
even after discharge, was invaluable. As I look around my hospital ward on my
last night at TLC, observing my new emaSwati friends—fellow joint replacement
patients and amputees, I reflect on how fortunate I am to have found TLC. My
thoughts often return to that joyous day in June 2023 when I attended the
official opening of the Miracle Campus by His Majesty King Mswati III and the
Queen Mother. His Majesty expressed a desire to elevate healthcare in Eswatini,
recognising TLC’s potential contribution to providing a first-class health
service for under-served emaSwati.
With His Majesty’s enthusiastic blessing, it is crucial for those in power to
embrace the opportunities presented by TLC and implement necessary changes to
the nation’s failing healthcare system. It is time to distance from those who
create barriers out of jealousy and focus on the bigger picture. The ongoing
debate on funding serves as a reminder of the expertise TLC can offer in health
discussions if engaged more actively.
Chance
There is a chance to establish meaningful collaborations with like-minded
organisations, ensuring TLC plays a critical role in the nation’s future
healthcare, given proper funding support. Based on my personal experiences over
the last ten days, I humbly urge the minister of Health to embrace a
collaborative approach with TLC, founded on mutual trust, transparency, and
accountability. Both parties share a commitment to delivering a sustainable
healthcare system for every under served liSwati, ensuring that tragedies like
the death of a vulnerable 17-year-old mother will never occur again.
MCD