For one week, patients from various backgrounds passed through the doors of a free surgical camp organized by the Dawoodi Bohra community in Madagascar. Beyond the medical interventions, these are human stories: silent suffering, years of waiting, and finally, the promise of a new life.
This initiative was organized by the Health and Wellbeing Department of the Dawoodi Bohra community, in partnership with the international philanthropic organization Project Rise, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and local public hospitals. Together, they mobilized volunteer specialists from different countries and Malagasy health professionals to reach communities where access to specialized care is often difficult.
In the city of Antsiranana, the medical camp expanded its care offerings to include cardiology, gastroenterology, general medicine, dermatology, ENT, ophthalmology, dental surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, neurology, general surgery, and urology. Patients also had access to laboratory tests, ultrasounds, a pharmacy, and, if necessary, advanced medical imaging examinations.
Guided by the vision of His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin to provide medical support to the Malagasy population, this Indian community continues to work closely with local partners to improve access to care and strengthen collective well-being.
According to statistics provided by the organization, more than 750 patients were examined and 250 surgical interventions were performed. Behind these figures are human stories: women and men who had sometimes waited for years for a solution to their health problems but lacked the means to seek treatment.
Some had waited months to consult a specialist, while others had postponed surgery due to financial constraints. The cost of care, travel, and difficulties in accessing specialists were significant obstacles. Many had traveled long distances in the hope of receiving treatment that had previously seemed inaccessible. This time, the door opened for them.
Whether it was regaining sight, relieving chronic pain, or treating a long-standing condition, for many patients, the camp represented much more than a routine doctor’s visit. Several benefited from comprehensive medical care, from preoperative consultations to postoperative follow-up.
Testimonials from patients reflect deep gratitude toward the organizers and medical teams. Many praise a gesture of generosity that transcends healthcare to become a true act of humanity. “I had gradually limited my movements because of my health problem, believing my situation would never change. I thought I would never be able to receive specialized surgery. But thanks to this free operation, I hope to resume my daily activities without pain,” shared Georgine Tombosoa, a mother from Ambalakazaha who underwent surgery for a fibroid.
In the corridors of the medical center, the expressions reflect both apprehension and hope. For patients and their families, the day was not just a consultation; it was the culmination of a long wait. The pain that accompanied their daily lives is now a thing of the past. Some still walk with caution, while others already show a regained smile.
“The camp reflects the humanitarian vision of His Holiness, which inspires the Dawoodi Bohra community to serve humanity through compassion, collaboration, and sustainable community development. Behind every patient is a story, a family, and a hope that we want to preserve,” explained Murtaza Mustali, a Project Rise volunteer in Madagascar, noting that more than 5,600 members of the Dawoodi Bohra community live in the Indian Ocean region.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-31 05:54:20 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/antsiranana-des-patients-retrouvent-le.html