COMPASSIONATE MEDICINE FOR EVERY LAST ONE

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

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