Eight children benefit from free corrective scoliosis surgery

THERE WAS overwhelming gratitude for the generosity of the Straight Caribbean Spine Foundation (SCSF) after eight children who suffered from scoliosis benefited extensively from corrective surgeries at the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC).

Dr Dayanand Sawh, orthopaedic surgeon at the children’s hospital, shared that he was grateful for partnerships that helped to alleviate burdens for citizens, especially those who were not in a position to help themselves.

IMMEASURABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

In a release yesterday, the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) also said that it was always a welcome initiative, noting that the scoliosis corrective surgeries were performed at the BHC during the period November 5-9.

The release further stated that the foundation’s remarkable contribution to the BHC over the years has proven to be immeasurable.

“SCSF has provided specialised personnel and instruments, which has strengthened the efforts by the health team at the Bustamante Hospital for Children to perform more scoliosis surgeries,” said SERHA.

Dr Sawh noted, however, that it was important that more collaborations are established to help with the enormous costs that come with surgeries and other medical treatments.

“There is a need, and the cost for a scoliosis brace is about $250,000, and so if you pick it up early, it’s better,” he said.

“The surgery is difficult. There are complications. You can be paralysed, you can die. The implants alone are about US$30,000 to $50,000 per surgery, and we are not including the cost of the surgeon’s time.”