Accra, May 26, GNA- The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in partnership with Thyroid Ghana Foundation (TGF) has successfully conducted thyroidectomy at a subsidised fee for 15 patients to correct their thyroid disorders.
Thyroidectomy is surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland releases thyroid hormone, which controls many critical functions of the body.
Some of the assessment and correctional procedures conducted include enlargement of the thyroid, overactive thyroid among others with five more waiting to be cleared by their specialists and anesthetics.
Dr Darius Osei, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UGMC, who made this known at the launch of the 14th World Thyroid Awareness week and unveiling of the Thyroid Pin in Accra, said the partnership was to support needy patients who needed to undergo the surgery urgently.
The launch was on the theme: “Thyroid and Communication- It’s Not You, It’s Your Thyroid”.
The CEO explained that out of the 15 patients, 14 were female and a male. adding that they all had a sucessful surgery and encouraged others with the condition to go for the surgery.
The subsidised thyroidectomy package is a partnership between the UGMC and TGF which commenced in 2021 and seeks to support persons with serious thyroid disorders but did not have the means to procure surgery.
Dr Osei said, this year, the UGMC and TGF would have another surgery at a subsidised fee for the next batch of 20 needy thyroid patients who needed thyroidectomy urgently.
The subsidy given by the UGMC comes in the form of surgical intervention as that is the most expensive part, while the patients are provided for the medical aspect.
“At UGMC, this is the kind of care we are made to offer so we are encouraging persons with these conditions to direct their complains to us and care will be made available to them because we are a specialized hospital with the requisite tools to deliver”, he stated.
The event also saw participants sensitised on the myths and facts associated with thyroid as well as presentation on advocacy for noenatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism.
Nana Adwoa Konadu Dsane, the Founder of TGF, said the event was also to celebrate the survivors of the surgery and encourage others with similar conditions to take the bold step as it was doable.
She expressed gratitude to the UGMC for the partnership and called on persons with the condition to visit the Centre for a subsidized thyroidectomy procedure.
Mrs Dsane outlined that in the coming days the Foundation would organise a food bazaar on May 28, 2022 to educate people with condition on their diet, on May 29, there would be a donation exercise and ‘My Journey So far’ a segment where survivors would share their experience to encourage others.
“On Monday there will be an engagement session with the Head of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department, to sensitise survivors and persons with thyroid conditions on the role ENT play in the management of thyroid care,” she stated.
Reverend Professor Patrick Ferdinand Ayeh-Kumi, the Board Chairman of the Thyroid Ghana Foundation, in his keynote speech commended the UGMC and the TGF Founder for the support and hard work so far.
He said a lot has been heard about the treatment, diagnosis, among others but one important area that needs to be looked at is research.
Rev Prof Ayeh-Kumi asked the Government to support thyroid research to assist the Foundation make a difference in the lives of persons suffering from the thyroid disease.
He also asked for funding and lasting support to enhance advocacy.
Thyroid conditions, which require thyroidectomy include thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules among others. Thyroidectomy can be performed through an incision at the front of the neck, or through the mouth (scarless thyroidectomy).
Once the thyroid gland is removed, the person takes replacement thyroid hormone to keep the body’s functions in balance.
Source: Ghana News Agency
