The WHO Health Technology Assessment and Health Benefit Package Survey of 2021 indicated a concerning gap in the availability of procedures for detecting, managing and treating oral diseases in the primary care facilities in the public health sector of Uganda; Oral health screening for early detection of oral diseases, Urgent treatment for providing emergency oral care & pain relief and Basic restorative dental procedures to treat existing dental decay were unavailable. To address this need, Imperial Hospital stepped forward during the Pre-Royal Wedding Medical Camp to offer specialized dental services to the people of Busoga.
Over three days, Imperial Hospital, situated in Iganga Town, Walugogo Estates, moved its entire Dental Department to Bugembe at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters. The primary objective this camp organized by Busoga Kingdom, Busoga Health Forum, and Jinja Regional Referral Hospital was – to provide specialized treatment to the people of Busoga and to make a contribution to the Royal wedding of the Kyababazinga His Royal Highness William Wiberforce Gabula Nadiope IV and the Inhebantu Her Royal Highness Jovia Mutesi which happened on 18th November 2023.
Patients waiting to be attended to at the Imperial Hospital tent during the medical camp.
In collaboration with Musana Community Health Center, Specialist Doctors International, we offered dental services during the medical camp, recognizing the necessity for additional human resources to manage the expected high patient turnout.
The team work exhibited, yielded significant results, with over 10,000 patients receiving examinations and treatment at these 3 days camp. Imperial Hospital attended to 303 patients, an indicator of the burden of dental issues within the community. Notably, over 490 extractions and 81 disimpassions (wisdom teeth removal) were performed, addressing critical dental concerns.
Demographic analysis revealed a prevalence of oral health issues among the young and elderly. Younger patients faced extractions due to poor oral hygiene and dietary habits, while older individuals presented with periodontitis and general oral hygiene-related problems.
Imperial Hospital views the experience as an honor and a positive contribution to the oral health of the people of Busoga. Looking ahead, the hospital aims to organize more such camps, potentially expanding the range of services offered.
Article by: Arnetia Patience Lunkuse and Tatumwa Desmond Benjamin
