During our 9-day health camp in Tanzania’s Pangani region, organized by Çare Association, we performed 339 cataract and surgical operations and provided eyeglasses to nearly 200 patients with vision problems following their examinations. Op. Dr. Selim Genç remarked, “Seeing the light in the eyes of patients who haven’t been treated for 15-20 years takes away all our fatigue from this brief but intense period.”

Bringing Healing to Pangani with Volunteer Turkish Doctors

Our volunteer medical team, consisting of ophthalmologists, a pediatric surgeon and their assistant, as well as a general surgery specialist and assistant, brought hope to patients using modern medical equipment. We successfully treated even the most complex cases in operating rooms equipped with two microscopes and comprehensive surgical kits for eye surgeries, advanced surgical tools for general procedures, and sterilization devices such as autoclaves and aspirators.

Services Provided During the Tanzania Health Camp

Cataract and Surgical Operations

Throughout the camp, our ophthalmology team, comprising Assoc. Dr. Selim Genç, Op. Dr. Ebubekir Durmuş, and Op. Dr. Osman Dursun, helped hundreds of patients regain their vision through cataract surgeries and eye examinations. Additionally, the general and pediatric surgery team, led by Op. Dr. Mehmet Gümer and Op. Dr. Mehmet Çakmak, with the assistance of Pediatric Surgery Resident Dr. Zekeriyya Tayyip Akbaş, conducted extensive health screenings followed by surgical interventions. A total of 339 cataract and surgical operations were successfully completed, including complex cases lasting up to 4 hours.

Eye Examinations and Eyeglass Support

Nearly 200 patients with vision problems underwent detailed eye examinations. Based on these evaluations, we provided prescription glasses to patients in need, addressing vision issues that did not require surgical intervention.

Permanent Operating Room in Pangani

Before the health camp, we delivered 200 types of medical equipment to Pangani State Hospital across five shipments. We established fully equipped operating rooms for ophthalmology and general-pediatric surgery. Additionally, we set up a well-equipped eye clinic.

Humanitarian Aid and Food Support

We distributed food packages, malnutrition support, and baby formula to 175 families. Throughout the hospital process, we provided regular meal support to all patients and their families.

Our Sustainable Healthcare Project in Tanzania

By working shoulder-to-shoulder with local doctors, we shared modern medical techniques. Under the guidance of Çare doctors, local physicians received theoretical and practical training, enabling them to perform many operations independently.