KATH Trauma and Orthopedics Directorate Launches Orthopedics Month with Focus on Free Surgeries
The Trauma and Orthopedics Directorate of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has officially launched Orthopedics Month, set to be observed throughout June, with a major focus on public education and fundraising for free orthopedic surgeries.
The campaign, which was unveiled at the SG Mall in Kumasi was under the theme “Strong Bones, Active Lives – Celebrating Orthopedic Health.” It aims to raise awareness on bone health, promote injury prevention, and support underprivileged patients in need of surgical care.
The initiative included a fundraising drive to sponsor surgeries for patients who are unable to afford critical orthopedic procedures such as fracture repairs, joint reconstructions, and corrective surgeries.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Abeiku Hammond, Ag. Head of Directorate (Ag. HOU) of Trauma and Orthopedics, emphasized the urgent need to support financially challenged patients who continue to live in pain due to the high cost of orthopedic surgery.
“We see many patients who delay care because they simply cannot afford it. This month is not only about awareness, but also action. Through our fundraising efforts, we hope to provide free surgeries to give these patients a second chance at active, pain-free lives,” he said.
Dr. (Med.) Paa Kwesi Baidoo, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and also the Ag. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KATH, emphasized the importance of accessible Orthopaedic care. He highlighted that many patients delay or forgo necessary surgeries due to financial constraints, leading to worsened health outcomes. The fundraising efforts during Orthopaedic Month are intended to alleviate these barriers and provide timely medical interventions.
“As part of the hospital’s corporate social responsibility, we are offering free services for people with orthopedics conditions including surgeries but this can only be possible with the kind of sponsorship of philanthropist individuals and entities”, he said.
In addition to the fundraising campaign, activities for Orthopedics Month will include free screenings, school and community outreach programs, media engagements, and special Orthopaedic clinics across the Ashanti Region.
The Directorate is calling on individuals, corporate bodies, and philanthropic organizations to support the campaign and help restore mobility and dignity to those in need.
Orthopedics Month officially begins on June 1, 2025, and will run through the end of the month.
