More than 500 patients with severe eye conditions received free surgery at Bukedea Teaching Hospital in a high-impact medical outreach funded by the Ruparelia Foundation, highlighting the growing demand for specialised healthcare in underserved communities.
The camp, which began on March 27, has drawn approximately 3,500 patients seeking treatment for various eye complications, overwhelming initial projections and forcing organisers to extend the exercise to April 1.
By the time of reporting, at least 388 surgeries had already been successfully conducted, with numbers continuing to rise as more patients are attended to.
“Treating an eye condition is very expensive and many people fail to access care. Because this service is free, the numbers have overwhelmed us,” said hospital in-charge Emmanuel Ongalo.
The facility, associated with Parliament Speaker Anita Among, has become a major referral point for patients across eastern Uganda during the outreach.
For many beneficiaries, the camp has been life-changing. John Opolot, a resident of Tisai village in Bukedea District, said he had lived with an eye condition for five years before receiving surgery.
“I was referred to Kampala but failed due to my condition. I had almost given up on my sight, but now I can see,” he said.
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Mary Namutaka from Tororo District shared a similar experience, revealing she had previously been advised to seek treatment abroad.
“I failed to go, but when I heard about this camp, I came. Now I can see,” she said.
Businessman Sudhir Ruparelia said the outreach was organised in memory of his late son Rajiv Ruparelia, who died in a road accident on the Entebbe Expressway.
“Our target was 500 surgeries and to provide free treatment and glasses to people in Teso,” he said, noting the overwhelming turnout.
Bukedea County MP-elect David Okwere said the turnout reflects a deeper healthcare gap in communities.
“We thought it would be a small exercise, but the numbers show many people are suffering from eye complications,” he said.
The camp has provided a wide range of services, including cataract surgeries, screenings, free eye check-ups, children’s glasses, and reading spectacles.
Health experts say the overwhelming response underscores the urgent need for accessible and affordable specialised healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved regions.