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Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital has said free medical screening is underway ahead of the surgical camp which is starting next Monday to handle patients with birth-related injuries.

Dr Godfrey Alia, the urogynaecologist and fistula surgeon at the hospital, told this reporter on Friday that the screening will continue even next week as patients get important surgeries throughout the week. He said the patients who will turn up during the surgical camp will be handled even when the camp has ended under the same terms as the surgical camp.

“We are currently screening patients for the urogynaecology camp where we will manage all issues of birth-related injuries such as fistula. The injuries can happen immediately, or they can be delayed,” Dr Alia said.

“The immediate injuries can include tears and if they are not repaired immediately, there are complications of leakage of faecal matter. Women can also get neglected obstructed labour and this can result in vesicovaginal fistula, where they get a hole communicating between the bladder and birth canal. This causes continuous urine leakage,” he explained.

The endless leakage of urine is associated with profound effects on the emotional, social and economic well-being of the patient. Many patients do not get corrective surgery due to the related cost, lack of knowledge or distant facilities.

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