A senior specialist surgeon from Mkuranga District Hospital, Dr. Julius Mollel, has appealed to the government through the Ministry of Health to establish dedicated medical camps for the treatment of prostate enlargement, hernia, and hydrocele.
The initiative, he said, would bring essential healthcare services closer to residents of Muheza District in Tanga Region, many of whom struggle to access and afford treatment.
Dr. Mollel made the appeal on May 14, 2025, during the President Samia Specialist Doctors’ Medical Camp at Muheza District Hospital.
He pointed out that prostate problems, hernias, and hydroceles are among the most common health issues affecting the local population.
However, financial constraints prevent many from seeking timely medical attention, forcing some patients to rely on urinary catheters for extended periods.
"Yesterday alone, I attended to 17 patients seven of whom are currently living with urinary catheters due to their inability to afford diagnostic tests and treatment," Dr. Mollel said.
He emphasized that proper diagnosis is a critical step before any treatment can be provided. For instance, patients must be screened to determine whether they are suffering from prostate enlargement or prostate cancer.
Those diagnosed with cancer cannot undergo traditional open surgery and instead require less invasive, camera-assisted procedures.
Dr. Mollel stressed that the establishment of special medical camps for these conditions would not only save lives but also reduce treatment costs and alleviate the suffering of many in the community.
Such an initiative, he said, would significantly lower the number of patients grappling with untreated hydroceles, hernias, and prostate complications.