Berekum Holy Family Catholic Hospital Hosts Intensive Workshop for Young Specialists
A week-long surgical training programme at the Berekum Holy Family Catholic Hospital in the Bono Region has equipped young medical specialists with advanced skills to manage and treat hernia cases, a condition affecting millions of Ghanaians.
The initiative, organised by the Ghana Hernia Society in partnership with the United Kingdom’s National Institutes of Health Research and the Global Surgery Unit of the University of Birmingham, focused on improving diagnosis, surgical techniques, and overall management of hernia.
Professor Stephen Tabiri, Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University for Development Studies, said the training has significantly strengthened the capacity of participants to perform life-saving surgeries, particularly in rural communities where hernia is most prevalent.
He noted that hernia remains one of the most common surgical problems in Ghana, especially among people engaged in manual labour. However, the lack of specialists has left many untreated, posing both health and economic challenges.
Dr. Frank Enoch Gyamfi, Consultant General Surgeon and Medical Director of the Berekum Holy Family Catholic Hospital, underscored the urgency of tackling the condition, revealing that more than two million Ghanaians are currently living with hernia. He said the hospital plans to extend hernia services to underserved rural communities to improve access and promote economic productivity through better health.
According to Dr. Gyamfi, enhancing surgical skills through training remains a crucial step toward bridging the treatment gap. “With improved capacity, we can reach more patients, reduce complications, and ultimately improve healthcare outcomes,” he stressed.
The organisers expressed optimism that with continuous training and collaboration, Ghana can scale up its surgical response to hernia and ease the burden on affected communities.
