The month of February is all about inguinal hernias. It is a major healthcare problem in Sierra Leone, where inguinal hernias are much more common than in the Netherlands. To increase awareness of the condition and provide an affordable solution, we are doing inguinal hernia operations throughout the month of February at a reduced rate (normally about 30 euros (700 Leones), now 18 euros (450 Leones). This promotional price is valid for all residents of the three chiefdoms around us and also serves as a promotional campaign for the hospital.
From March, prices will unfortunately return to the normal level (700 Leones for a single-sided and 1000 Leones for a double-sided inguinal hernia), which we recently had to increase to somewhat cover the hospital costs. Hopefully we can help as many people as possible before then! Although our prices are much lower than in the government hospital, they are already an obstacle for many. As a result, many people only come when the inguinal hernia is pinched, with all the possible complications that entails. Now that prices in Sierra Leone are increasing, both for food and healthcare, it is difficult for more and more people to make ends meet. With our campaign we hope that we can help at least some of the people with their inguinal hernia before complications arise.