Info Malang Raya Its All About World News
Introduction to UGMC’s New Medical Services
The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) is set to introduce a groundbreaking medical service by the end of the year. This new initiative involves hair transplants, which are considered a form of plastic surgery aimed at addressing baldness in individuals. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines a hair transplant as a surgical procedure where hair is moved from one part of the body—typically the back or sides of the scalp—to an area that is bald, thinning, or in need of coverage.
Vision for a World-Class Medical Facility
Dr Baffoe Gyan, the Director of Medical Affairs at UGMC, shared insights about the centre’s progress in implementing this innovative service. He mentioned that the facility was in the final stages of scaling up the initiative after a successful pilot phase. The surgeon who led the hair transplant innovation had undergone training in New York and returned to practice it in Ghana, with promising results.
During the trial, the procedure was performed on one of the hospital’s own doctors, whose hair is now very fine. Dr Gyan emphasized the importance of ensuring there are enough trained professionals to handle potential high demand once the service is launched publicly.
Understanding Hair Loss and Its Causes
According to the WHO, baldness or hair loss can be attributed to various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, stress, and certain medications. The most common type of baldness, androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is largely hereditary and related to aging and hormones.
Building Expertise for Full Rollout
Dr Gyan highlighted the efforts being made to build and train a team of medical staff capable of delivering the hair transplant service effectively. He noted that the young medical professionals at UGMC were ambitious and ready to deliver when given the necessary support. The goal is to ensure that the team is well-prepared to meet the needs of the public once the service becomes available.
Ambitious Goals for UGMC
The ultimate aim of UGMC is to become a quaternary hospital, which provides the most specialised and advanced medical care. This would position the facility as an extension of tertiary care. To achieve this, the centre is focusing on implementing services that are not commonly offered elsewhere.
Trailblazing Medical Solutions
UGMC has already undertaken several trailblazing procedures. Recently, the hospital performed catheter ablation for some patients, followed by cases of hole-in-heart treatment. On July 25, they conducted laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Ghana. Additionally, the hospital has been exploring other innovations, such as bone marrow transplants, and has already conducted kidney transplants.
Dr Gyan revealed that the hospital has completed approximately eight kidney transplants, though they are not widely publicising this achievement. He encouraged Ghanaians abroad who have expertise in innovative medical or clinical solutions to contribute their knowledge and help strengthen local capacity to serve the population.
Future Goals and Collaborations
Dr Gyan expressed the hospital’s goal to be able to perform almost all medically possible procedures by 2027. He called for the involvement of all experts, both within and outside Ghana, to be part of this journey. The UGMC continues to push the boundaries of medical care, aiming to provide world-class services that meet the evolving needs of the community.
