Surgeons offer free plastic surgeries to 30 indigent patients in Sokoto

The Nigerian Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Ecstatic Surgeons, on Monday commenced free plastic surgeries on 30 indigent patients in Sokoto State as part of its 23rd Scientific Conference.

Dr. Ibrahim Habib, the conference’ Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman, told our reporter in Sokoto that the free surgeries was the first to be conducted in the history of the association.

He said that the conference was also joined by Nigerian Bone Injury Society for its 11th meeting.

Habib said the event would feature presentations and updates on new innovations locally and internationally as it affects the profession.

“Some doctors will observe the surgeries to be conducted by experienced surgeons in Nigeria.

“The exercise will expose some plastic surgeons to best international practices, share experience and establish network.

“About 150 Doctors, with more than 100 from outside Sokoto state, nurses, therapists, bone-care givers, dieticians and other auxiliary workers in the field, as well as patients that had surgeries and those that successfully overcame bone related treatments will attend the gathering”, Habib said.

According to him, the free surgeries were limited to only 30 patients because of the huge investment involved, as the association had not received support from outside.

He stressed that the association has enough manpower in the country to conduct specialized plastic surgeries, and advised those requiring such services to patronise the local experts instead of travelling abroad.

The LOC chairman, a plastic surgeon with the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, called on wealthy individuals to always support indigent patients requiring surgeries.

He appreciated Sokoto State Government for availing the association with the facilities at NOMA Children Hospital for the free surgeries, and appealed to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal to also support the effort.

It was reported that the Conference, tagged “Caliphate 2017″, would hold from Aug. 14-19.