Ndola Teaching Hospital (NTH) has successfully performed four groundbreaking hip replacement surgeries on patients suffering from hip disease, with the youngest patient being just 34 years old.

These life-changing procedures took place during a week-long orthopedic camp at the hospital, which involved collaboration between NTH’s orthopedic team and renowned specialists from Scotland, led by Dr. Shawn Kelly.

The hip replacements were performed at no cost, while similar procedures in private health facilities in the country typically range from K40,000 to K60,000 through the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA).

In an interview, NTH Head of Orthopaedics, Nelson Banda, described this achievement as a significant advancement in surgical care at the hospital, highlighting its growing capabilities in complex orthopedic procedures.

He noted that while NTH had previously conducted these surgeries, the hospital greatly benefited from the extensive knowledge and expertise of the Scottish specialists, particularly in terms of a different surgical approach and the provision of various implants that were previously unavailable at the hospital.

Dr. Banda mentioned that several patients who could not afford the necessary implants but were in urgent need have now received assistance.

In a separate interview, Dr. Kelly explained that many of the patients had undergone extensive treatment for other health issues that could complicate their hip conditions. He pointed out that some cases stem from sickle cell disease, while others, particularly in the younger population, involve advanced hip conditions that severely impact their ability to work, walk, or perform daily activities.