20 Patients to Receive Free Cleft Lip Surgery at Rumbek State Hospital

By Anak Dut Malual

An estimated 20 patients are expected to undergo free cleft lip surgery at Rumbek State Hospital in Lakes State, as an international medical team works with local health authorities and humanitarian organisations to provide treatment and transport assistance at no cost to patients.

The initiative is being implemented by ORAHEAD in collaboration with Cleft Support International, with support from the Catholic Diocese of Wau and the Lakes State Ministry of Health.

James Tarzoh, country field coordinator for Cleft Support International, said the programme covers surgery, medication and transportation for patients travelling to and from the treatment centre.

“We don’t charge them. The medication is also free. We don’t collect anything from the patients,” Tarzoh said.

He said the team had previously conducted cleft lip surgeries in other parts of South Sudan, including Wau and Warrap State, where more than 200 patients had reportedly received treatment.

According to Tarzoh, the programme accepts patients aged three months and above, provided they are medically fit for surgery.

He said the team had mobilised patients through door-to-door outreach, encouraging families across Lakes State to access the free services.

The programme initially targeted all eight counties of Lakes State. However, Tarzoh said direct outreach in Rumbek North County was suspended because of recent insecurity, which made travel difficult and risky.

He added that patients from Rumbek North could still travel to Rumbek town for treatment, with transportation assistance available.

“We encourage the villagers and the people concerned to meet us here for the free cleft lip surgery,” he said.

Tarzoh said the first phase of the programme in Lakes State would run until October 29, with the medical team visiting different counties according to its schedule.

Dr Gabriel Makuach, acting medical director of Rumbek State Hospital, confirmed that the initiative was being conducted in collaboration with state health authorities and a team from the Catholic Diocese of Wau.

He said approximately 20 patients had been identified for surgery on Tuesday, adding that patients would be allowed to return home after treatment depending on their medical condition.

Dr Makuach acknowledged that community mobilisation for the initial round had not been adequately coordinated, as it was the organisation’s first visit to Lakes State.

He encouraged patients who missed the initial surgical session to attend the next planned operation at Rumbek State Hospital on November 8 and 9.

“Those who missed this surgery today are most welcome to turn up on the 8th and 9th of November,” he said.

Cleft lip is a congenital condition in which a baby is born with an opening in the upper lip. Depending on its severity, the condition can affect feeding, speech and psychosocial well-being. Surgical repair can help improve function and quality of life.

The free surgical programme is expected to ease the financial burden on families who might otherwise struggle to afford specialised treatment and transportation to medical facilities.