In a bold move to address long-standing barriers to orthopedic care in Ghana, the Trauma and Orthopedics Directorate of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has launched a month-long campaign to offer free orthopedic surgeries and raise public awareness on bone health.

The initiative, dubbed Orthopedics Month, officially kicks off on June 1, 2025, and is set to run through the end of the month with a range of community-centered activities.

The launch event, held at the SG Mall in Kumasi under the theme “Strong Bones, Active Lives – Celebrating Orthopedic Health”, signals a renewed commitment by KATH to tackle the high financial burden that prevents many Ghanaians from accessing timely orthopedic care.

At the core of the campaign is a fundraising effort aimed at covering the cost of critical procedures such as fracture repairs, joint reconstructions, and corrective surgeries for financially vulnerable patients.

Dr. Abeiku Hammond, Acting Head of the Trauma and Orthopedics Directorate, explained the urgent need for public support to ease the pain and suffering of patients who delay treatment due to cost.

“We see many patients who live in pain because they simply cannot afford surgery. This month is not only about education but also action. We want to change lives through these free surgeries,” he stated.

The challenge of affordability in orthopedic healthcare is not new. Over the years, KATH has witnessed a growing number of cases where patients present with worsened conditions after prolonged delays in seeking care.

These delays are often attributed to the inability to pay for surgical interventions that could have otherwise prevented permanent disability or chronic pain.

Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon and Acting Chief Executive Officer of KATH, reiterated that the initiative is part of the hospital’s broader corporate social responsibility.

“We are offering free orthopedic services including surgeries this June, but our ability to sustain this depends on the generosity of philanthropic individuals and organizations. We are calling for public and corporate support,” he said.

Beyond surgeries, Orthopedics Month will feature free health screenings, educational outreach in schools and communities, media engagements, and specialized orthopedic clinics throughout the Ashanti Region.

These activities are designed to promote injury prevention, early detection of musculoskeletal conditions, and general orthopedic wellness.

The campaign comes at a time when healthcare accessibility remains a major challenge in Ghana, particularly for specialized services such as orthopedic surgery which often require advanced equipment and highly trained personnel.

KATH’s initiative is seen as a model for how public hospitals can mobilize community and corporate support to bridge healthcare inequities.

The Directorate has issued an open call to individuals, corporate bodies, and nonprofit organizations to join the campaign, contribute to the fundraising efforts, and help restore mobility and dignity to patients in need.

Orthopedics Month at KATH begins on June 1 and runs until June 30, 20