Expert GI and Cancer OPD Camp in Ethiopia by Vaidam Health and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre

In a continued effort to bring world-class healthcare closer to patients around the globe, Vaidam Health, in collaboration with Apollo Proton Cancer Centres (APCC), organized a successful Gastroenterology and Oncology OPD camp on November 20th and 21st, 2024, at Washington Medical Centre, Ethiopia. 

Two highly experienced specialists led the camp from APCC: Dr. Senthil Kumar Ganapathi, a senior gastrointestinal surgeon with expertise in advanced bowel and abdominal surgeries, and Dr. Prasad Eswaran Subramanian, a highly experienced oncologist known for treating complex cancers using a precision medicine approach.

The two-day camp aimed to provide patients in Ethiopia access to expert consultations from India’s leading specialists, without the need to travel abroad.

Strong Patient Turnout and Demand for More Camps

The camp conducted consultations with a total of 40 patients, including 25 cases of oncology and 15 cases of gastroenterology. The response was encouraging, with patients coming in not only for second opinions but also for clarity on treatment options, surgery planning, and possibilities of receiving care in India.

Many patients shared that such camps are a much-needed initiative and expressed their desire for more camps in the near future. This intense interest reflects the healthcare gap these efforts are helping to bridge, offering expert guidance, especially in specialties that require advanced diagnostics and multidisciplinary treatment.

Common Conditions Treated

During the camp, the most commonly addressed gastroenterological issues included Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Hirschsprung Disease, appendix-related complications, and gallstone-related problems. These conditions reflected a growing need for specialized GI surgical expertise in the region.

On the oncology side, patients primarily sought consultations for breast cancer, especially in its early stages. Other frequently evaluated conditions included thoracic cancers like lung malignancies, and gastrointestinal cancers such as colorectal and stomach cancers, many of which were second-opinion cases looking for clearer treatment pathways.

A Step Toward Better Access

Both patients and the local medical community deeply appreciated the presence of Dr. Senthil Kumar Ganapathi and Dr. Prasad Eswaran Subramanian. Their thoughtful consultations helped patients better understand their conditions and provided a clear path forward, whether that meant continuing care locally or considering advanced treatment options in India.

Looking Forward

The camp concluded on a high note, with both patients and caregivers requesting more initiatives like this in the future.

Vaidam Health remains committed to organising such outreach programs that connect global expertise with local needs. With support from partners like Apollo Proton Cancer Centres, we look forward to many more meaningful camps in Ethiopia and beyond.