By Fatima Kpaka
A team of German doctors, supported by Interplast Germany, in collaboration with Choithram Memorial Hospital, is hosting a free plastic surgery camp for the underprivileged in Freetown.
The team includes the renowned Nigerian doctor, Professor Bayo Aluko-Olokun, who specializes in cleft lip and palate surgeries and has ancestral roots in Sierra Leone.
Successful Surgeries and Humanitarian Efforts
Forty critical surgeries have been performed so far, with more scheduled in the coming days.
Present at the event to update journalists about the free surgeries were notable medical professionals, including Dr. Lutz Gruhl (Plastic Surgeon), Dr. Bernd Heidemann (Hand/Trauma Surgeon), Dr. Olaf Weigt (Anesthetist), Mr. Nikolaus Brunner (Anesthetic Nurse), Mrs. Monika Schäfer (Physiotherapist), Dr. Med. Friedrich Matthaei (Plastic Surgeon), Professor Bayo Aluko-Olokun, Dr. Gowrinath M. George (Medical Superintendent of Choitram Hospital), Dr. Mustapha Kabba (Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health), Harish Agnani (Chief Administrator of Choithram Hospital), and other medical personnel.
Harish Agnani extended New Year greetings and emphasized the significance of the free surgical camp, which caters to those suffering from post-burn contractures, deformities, tumors of the hands and feet, and cleft lip and palate issues. This humanitarian effort is made possible through collaboration between the Sierra Leone Ambassador to Germany, Dr. M. L. Baryoh, and Interplast Germany. All treatments, including follow-up visits, are entirely free of charge.
Harish Agnani praised the program’s success, noting that 53 surgeries were completed in 2023, 64 in 2024, and 40 surgeries so far in 2025, with plans to maximize the number of procedures. He commended Dr. Eric Wongo for his exceptional role in patient screening and groundwork, enabling the German team to begin operations immediately upon arrival.
Harish Agnani also expressed gratitude to the German doctors, who dedicated their leave to charity work and outlined plans for the hospital to soon offer joint replacement surgeries locally, reducing the need for overseas medical travel.
Visiting Medical Team and New Specialists
Dr. Gowrinath M. George applauded the hospital’s Operations Theatre staff and introduced the visiting medical team. He also announced the addition of new specialists at the hospital, including Dr. Abhilash Babu Panackal (Joint Replacement and Orthopedic Surgeon), Dr. Vladyslav V. Kozakov (Consultant Neurosurgeon), Dr. Andriy Danyltsiv (Consultant Anesthetist), and Dr. Nikoloz S. Dzagnidze (Consultant Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeon).
Restoring Dignity and Integrating Patients
Dr. Lutz Gruhl, representing the German team, expressed gratitude for the warm reception. He highlighted the importance of restoring patients’ dignity and improving their ability to integrate into society. Dr. Lutz Gruhl commended Dr. Eric Wongo for efficiently preparing patients, which streamlined their operations. He acknowledged Interplast Germany for funding travel, equipment, and other logistical needs, emphasizing their mission to provide global access to plastic surgery.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, speaking on behalf of the Government, thanked the hospital and the visiting team for their impactful contributions. He acknowledged Sierra Leone’s healthcare challenges, including resource constraints and infrastructure gaps, but highlighted ongoing Government efforts to enhance universal healthcare.
Dr. Mustapha Kabba praised Choithram Memorial Hospital for its public-private partnership with the Government and its consistent upgrades, including road network improvements within the hospital premises.
He emphasized the importance of local training programs to produce qualified medical professionals, reducing dependency on overseas training.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer expressed optimism about the transformative impact of the surgeries, particularly for marginalized children, and reiterated the Government’s commitment to encouraging private-sector involvement in healthcare delivery.
The conference concluded with a collective commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in Sierra Leone.