In one of the wards at the General Hospital in Kontagora, Niger State, Bara’atu Kabiru beams with relief after undergoing a successful surgery for vaginal prolapse.
Vaginal prolapse, also known as vaginal vault prolapse, occurs when the top of the vagina weakens and collapses into the vaginal canal.
In more serious cases of vaginal prolapse, the top of the vagina may bulge outside the vaginal opening.
If left untreated, vaginal prolapse, depending on its severity may affect nearby organs such as the kidneys, rectum or urethra.
For over two years, she endured the debilitating condition without treatment, unable to afford the necessary medical care.
Bara’atu is one of the many beneficiaries of a free surgical outreach program organized by the Sani Bello Foundation in collaboration with Graceland Healthcare Development, Kaduna.
“I had been living with this condition for two years and had never visited a hospital until I heard about the free surgeries. I thank God for this opportunity,” Bara’atu said, expressing her gratitude.
A lifeline for indigent patients
Every November, the Sani Bello Foundation partners with Graceland Healthcare Development Foundation to provide free surgeries for indigent Nigerians who cannot afford expensive medical procedures.
The Foundation funds the initiative, covering all expenses, while Graceland Healthcare provides the specialized medical team to carry out the surgeries.
“We cannot always rely on the government to provide healthcare for everyone. This outreach has been our way of contributing to society,” said Usman Sani-Bello, Vice Chairman of the Sani Bello Foundation.
“So far, we’ve conducted 533 surgeries in November, with patients coming from all over the country—even as far as Lagos.”
The procedures cover a range of ailments, including goiter, fibroids, hernias, appendicitis, cataracts, and prolapse in women.
Easing the financial burden
The Chairman of Graceland Healthcare Development, Dr. Toth Joseph highlighted the life-changing impact of the program, noting how it eliminates the financial strain on poor Nigerians.
“For instance, thyroid surgery in Abuja costs about N1 million, but we’ve performed it here for free. Patients often return to their initial hospitals for refunds,” he said.
“Even hernia surgeries, which can cost up to N100,000 in conventional hospitals, are done at no cost here.”
The outreach also includes cataract surgeries, led by consultant ophthalmologist Dr. Stanley Bulus, who revealed that 98% of eye surgeries performed were for cataracts and pterygium.
“In private hospitals, cataract surgeries cost between N140,000 and N150,000, but here they are free. We’ve also provided over 900 subsidized eyeglasses, which normally cost about N20,000 each,” Dr. Bulus added.
Stories of transformation
The outreach has profoundly impacted many lives. Women like Habiba Garba and Rabi Adamu, who just like Bara’atu had suffered from vaginal prolapse for years, finally received the care they needed.
“I’ve been taking traditional medicine for as long as I can remember, but now I feel a new lease on life,” Habiba said.
Others, like Fatima Mohammed, are queuing up for surgeries after hearing of the program’s success.
“My son benefitted last year, and now it’s my turn. I am so grateful,” she said..
The founder of the Sani Bello Foundation, Retired Col. Sani Bello shared his personal reflections on the program’s impact.
“All the gifts given to me such as cakes during my birthday, I only take it out of politeness, but whenever I visit the medical outfit patients, I marvel at what we have done. We are touching lives.
“If I wanted, I could spend millions of naira on a party but why should I spend so much money on that party for a few and most of the people who will attend the party are privileged people, who have got a lot of food in their houses they will not eat it all, they will waste it.
“I will rather spend that kind of money on people who really need my help. Why shouldn’t I give it to people who need my assistance to get well. Health is wealth. If they are well, they can manage their lives.”
