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Floating surgery: the life-or-death difference this medical ship makes to the people of West Africa

20 March 2018

We take it for granted that we can visit our local GP when the need arises, but in some of the world’s poorest countries access to health specialists can be extremely difficult.

People travel for miles and face lengthy queues before being seen

The 成人快手 ALBA documentary series Luingean Lannsaireachd/Surgery Ships followed the visit of the ‘floating surgery’ Africa Mercy as it docked in Cotonou, Benin. Here, the struggle to reach the medical team can mean the difference between life and death.

Dr Gary Parker, Chief Medical Officer on the ship explained the problems faced by locals.

“In West Africa, people don’t have access to timely, affordable and safe surgery.

“And when that is not there, then you see people where tumours have been growing but they have nothing in their power that they can do to get rid of them.

“So they’re either in a life-threatening situation where they’re going to suffocate or they’re so disfigured that they’re marginalised.”

Making a difference to people鈥檚 lives

Such is the demand for medical help that 5,000 patients wee screened in the ship’s first three weeks of operation in Benin. Not every person could be treated, but in that short time over 700 appointments for surgery were made.

One of those who made it through the barriers was 35-year-old Julien, who was suffering from a melon-sized growth on his jaw. The tumour prevented him from working, socialising and speaking properly and could have suffocated him if left untreated. But during successful surgery aboard Africa Mercy it was safely removed.

Dr Parker knows the difference receiving treatment on the ship can have on a patient’s life.

“I don’t stop being amazed at seeing what it means to this person. If you can see people like Julien and not be troubled ... [it’s] time to go home.”

Preparing for surgery

The series on 成人快手 iPlayer

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