At HoverAid, our Medical Missions Safari (MMS) aims to bring people closer to essential medical care, particularly in the fields of surgery and ultrasound. Many individuals in remote areas struggle to access large hospitals in major cities due to insecurity, financial constraints, and transportation challenges. Our MMS programme helps bridge this gap by delivering medical services directly to those in need.
This mission marked the first of two planned for Ambatolahy in 2025. The team set off from Antananarivo at 6 a.m. on 11th March, arriving in Ambatolahy the following morning at around 8 a.m. Upon arrival, we paid a courtesy visit to the new Mayor of the Urban Commune of Ambatolahy before setting up our medical equipment.
The mission began with a religious service, followed by an official opening speech from the Mayor. The Project Manager then outlined the process of each activity and briefed patients on important rules and information, particularly regarding surgical procedures. This first mission of the year saw a large turnout, demonstrating the ongoing need for medical support in the region.
A group of interns from the regional hospital actively assisted the team throughout the mission. Their dedication was evident, as they had already prepared the consultation rooms before our arrival. Over the years, we have built a strong working relationship with the staff at CSB2 Ambatolahy, especially in post-operative care. Their professionalism and commitment to patient welfare continue to be invaluable.
Medical Achievements
All planned activities were successfully carried out, including:
- Surgery: A record-breaking 50 operations were performed, with procedures conducted under both general and local anaesthesia.
- Ultrasound: 140 patients benefited from ultrasound scans, though time constraints meant some individuals could not be seen.
- Ophthalmology, dentistry, and internal consultations were also provided, ensuring a comprehensive medical service.
Tooth extractions, while routine, proved to be one of the more challenging tasks, as many patients had particularly hard teeth, making extractions time-consuming.
Despite the heat, patient numbers exceeded those of previous years. Many individuals travelled from Malaimbandy to receive care and surgical treatment. The results of this mission stand out as some of the most successful in Ambatolahy over the past seven years, particularly in ultrasound and surgical procedures.
On the final morning, the team continued treating patients, with surgeons performing six additional operations. Once all medical activities were completed, the team packed up and departed from Ambatolahy at midday, arriving back in Antananarivo on the afternoon of 15th March.
The next MMS to Ambatolahy is scheduled to take place from 1st to 5th July 2025. We look forward to continuing our work and reaching even more people in need of vital medical care.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this mission a success!
