In a continued effort to improve healthcare access in Ghana, international humanitarian organization Operation Walk Syracuse has extended its life-changing medical support to patients at St. Joseph Orthopaedic Hospital of the New Juaben North Municipality in the Eastern Region.
Operation Walk Syracuse, based in New York, has been dedicated to reducing health disparities by providing free joint replacement surgeries to patients in need. Over the years, their missions have positively impacted the lives of many Ghanaians.
Amevine Bailey, the organization’s local lead and a native of Ghana, spoke about the challenges and successes of their medical missions during a recent visit to St. Joseph Orthopaedic Hospital in Koforidua. Recalling their first mission in 2019, she highlighted difficulties faced at the port, where medical equipment and personnel were delayed due to clearance issues. As a result, some doctors had to stay in hotels for several days.
“As someone born in Ghana, it was disheartening to witness the delays,” Bailey shared. “I had to rally support and personally went with two doctors, the hospital administrator, and the CEO to resolve the situation. However, we still need more cooperation from the Ministry and government agencies to streamline the process in future missions.”
Bailey noted that such bureaucratic obstacles are uncommon in other countries where Operation Walk operates and expressed hope that future missions to Ghana would be more efficient.
After a two-year break due to COVID-19, the team returned in 2022 and continues to grow its impact. While they typically treat around 90 patients per mission, this year’s goal is to assist over 100.
“Our team loves coming to Ghana,” Bailey added. “Many of the patients are young and determined to recover, which makes the work incredibly rewarding.”
One of those patients, a young woman, shared her emotional journey. One morning, she woke up unable to walk. Doctors told her she needed surgery costing GHS 80,000, a sum her family couldn’t afford after her father’s passing. For years, she lived in pain and despair—until she heard about Operation Walk Syracuse’s visit.
She made her way to the hospital, underwent successful surgery, and is now able to walk again.
“I had lost all hope, but the Operation Walk team has brought joy back into my life. May God bless them for their kind hearts,” she said through tears of gratitude.
Thanks to the unwavering commitment of Operation Walk Syracuse, many Ghanaians are regaining their mobility and independence—one step at a time.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Asabea Diana
