Bukedea RR Eye Care Camp Extended as Demand for Free Treatment Surges
By Infora Media
The free eye care camp organised by the Ruparelia Foundation at Bukedea Teaching Hospital has been extended to Wednesday after organisers reported a surge in the number of patients seeking specialised services.
The outreach, which started last Friday, had initially been scheduled to run for three days. However, the high turnout from residents of Bukedea District and the wider Teso sub-region prompted organisers to prolong the exercise to ensure more people benefit.
Thousands of patients have lined up at the facility for screening, treatment, cataract surgeries and corrective glasses. Organisers had projected to serve between 2,000 and 5,000 people and conduct about 300 cataract operations, but the numbers quickly rose as the camp progressed.
By Tuesday, more than 3,000 people had already received treatment, reflecting the demand for affordable specialised healthcare services in the region.
The initiative, estimated at Shs1.7 billion, is offering services free of charge. Medical personnel involved in the outreach indicated that a single eye surgery can cost up to Shs5 million in private facilities, placing it beyond the reach of many patients.
Speaking on behalf of the Guest of Honour, Bukedea County MP-elect David Beecham Okwere conveyed appreciation from Anita Among, commending the organisers for supporting communities with specialised medical services.
Okwere praised businessman Sudhir Ruparelia and partners for funding the outreach, noting that the intervention had enabled thousands of residents to access treatment they would otherwise not afford.
He said such initiatives demonstrate the importance of partnerships in addressing gaps in healthcare delivery, adding that leaders should support programmes that directly benefit communities.
Okwere also pledged to continue working with stakeholders to support similar initiatives in Bukedea and neighbouring areas.
Representing the foundation, Sheena Ruparelia attributed the success of the camp to collaboration among partners, local leaders and the community.
She said the foundation was encouraged by the turnout and would continue supporting interventions in health and education to improve livelihoods.
As the camp enters its final day, hundreds of surgeries have been conducted and thousands screened, with organisers saying the exercise has highlighted the need to expand specialised healthcare services in underserved regions. For many beneficiaries, the outreach has restored sight and improved their prospects for daily work and independence.