In Nangdam, North East Region, Mr Kofi Materim, a 34-year-old farmer, is urgently seeking financial assistance of Gh?50,000 for a total hip replacement surgery. Materim has been diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the left hip, severely impacting his mobility and causing him daily excruciating pain.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Abel Benjamin Tunni, a Trauma/Orthopedic Surgeon, has confirmed the diagnosis. The report noted that an x-ray revealed avascular necrosis of Materim's left hip. The cost of the required surgery, essential for restoring Materim's ability to walk without pain, is not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Materim described how the constant pain had incapacitated him, making him reliant on family and friends for support. He recounted his prolonged reliance on pain relievers as previous healthcare facilities had only prescribed these until he was referred to a specialized hospital earlier this year.
Materim has appealed to the public for assistance to undergo the surgery, stating, "I was farming until the pain got severe and now, I can't do anything for myself. I don't have the amount of money needed for the surgery."
Mr David Maffin, Materim's cousin, also spoke to the GNA, highlighting the farmer's destitute condition due to his illness. Maffin explained that Materim is now dependent on his wife and two children, who themselves are struggling to cope. He urged philanthropic individuals and organizations to contribute towards the surgery costs.
Members of the public who wish to assist Mr Materim can contact him directly or make donations via the provided mobile money number.