The Nippes department has just written one of the most remarkable chapters in its recent history regarding access to specialized care. Thanks to the surgical caravan initiated by the Ministry of Public Health (MSPP), more than 550 patients benefited from completely free surgical procedures, restoring hope to hundreds of families who, lacking resources, had been living for years with conditions requiring intervention.

This initiative, driven by the vision of Dr. Bertrand Sinal, Minister of Health, aimed to bring specialized care closer to the most vulnerable populations and demonstrate that, with effective organization, quality surgical services can be made accessible to all. The Nippes department was chosen as the pilot department, a decision that proved particularly wise given the results achieved.

The success of this caravan rests on the exceptional mobilization of all stakeholders in the healthcare system. A departmental commission, headed by Ms. Eluderne Denius, Coordinator of the Miragoâne District Health Unit, was established to ensure the planning, coordination, and monitoring of all activities. This commission effectively orchestrated all operations, from patient selection to post-operative care.

From the outset of the mobile clinic, a specialized team dispatched by the Ministry reinforced local capacity to ensure the start of the interventions. Subsequently, the Cuban Medical Brigade in Haiti took over and continued the interventions for several weeks, significantly increasing the number of beneficiaries.

One of the greatest successes of this initiative lies in the simultaneous mobilization of three operating theaters across the department : Sainte-Thérèse Hospital in Miragoâne; Jules Fleury Hospital in L’Anse-à-Veau; and the Asylum Referral Center.

This strategy has brought surgical services closer to the various municipalities, reduced waiting times, and significantly increased patient capacity.

The opening and coordinated operation of these three sites demonstrate the organizational capacity of the Nippes Health Directorate and now serve as a model for other departments in the country.

After several weeks of intensive activity, more than 550 cases were operated on free of charge. The medical teams treated a wide range of conditions, including : inguinal and umbilical hernias; hydroceles; lipomas; cysts of various locations; phimosis; hemorrhoids; appendicitis; benign tumors; hysterectomies; myomectomies; cystoceles; cesarean sections; circumcisions; cryptorchidism; mass removals; and other general and obstetric surgery procedures.

Beyond the doctors and surgeons, this success is above all the result of collective effort. The teams at the Ministry's central level, the professionals of the Cuban Medical Brigade, the doctors, anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, administrative staff, support staff, maintenance workers, drivers, logistics teams, health facility managers, and all the staff of the Nippes Health Directorate worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this operation.

This experience now serves as an inspiring model for other departments in the country. It proves that when a clear vision, strong leadership, and collective mobilization come together, results are achieved.

HL/ HaitiLibre