At least 40 people die of accident-related injuries every month at the Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI), it has been established.
An orthopaedic and trauma specialist at the institute, Dr Kennedy Nchimbi, told The Citizen in an exclusive interview that deaths are mostly caused by motorcycle accidents.
Latest statistics show that from January to June 2015 alone, 473 people died from 1352 motorcycle accidents, and 1,275 were left with various body injuries and disabilities.
He said that, the institute continues to receive a big number of injuries requiring emergency operations and the current available single emergency table is overwhelmed, leading to some patients waiting for up to three months before they are operated.
“Although we have five main theatres, the one available emergency room is overwhelmed, prompting some people to await their turn for long periods and endure much pain,” he said.
The doctor revealed, too, that the increase in the number of patients led to a shortage of medical supplies.
” We receive a large number of emergency patients, most of whom need fixture ‘antennas’ . An accident involving a motorcyclist carrying three passengers means that facilities are concentrated on four people instead of two,” he explained, adding: “Last Sunday, we received 15 patients, many of whom required the fixture; it is a tragedy.”
Dr Nchimbi stressed that road safety laws and education should be emphasised, noting that, motorcycle riders include many youngsters aged below 18, who lack basic road safety knowledge. “The authorities should do more on the road safety front, as a lot of young men and women end up being disabled… these are the people we depend on to build this nation. We must save them,” he said.
The doctor pointed out that, in spite of the challenges, MOI is regarded as a centre for excellence in Africa to which doctors from neighbouring countries flock to earn. It’s for that reason, he said, that the institute will host a three-day fourth trauma course from May 30. MOI specialists will be among the trainers that will see more than 120 participants across Africa, US, UK and Canada sharing their experiences.