Apam (C/R), Sept 18, GNA - A team of medical volunteers from Yorke, Pennsylvania in the US, has performed 196 surgeries at the Apam Catholic Hospital within the past 10 days. Five surgeons, who are among 35 volunteers carried out surgeries on patients suffering from, goitre, hernia and fibroid as well deformities such as cleft lips and those who need plastic surgeries, all for free. The medical team who are in the country to render voluntary services also attended to the sick at the Out Patients' Department of the Hospital.

Building Solid Foundation, an organisation formed by Dr and Mrs Seth Mac Quartey, Ghanaians domiciled in the USA and the Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Yorke Pennsylvania sponsored the trip of the volunteers.

Dr Quartey, who was a member of the medical team, told the Ghana News Agency at Apam that, the volunteers had reached an agreement with the management of the Hospital for them to come to Ghana every September to help the health facility.

Dr Quartey said the volunteers were in three groups, assisting in the areas of education, social services and health services. He said some of the members of the social services group were sent to the Ketu District in the Volta Region, where they had been drilling wells for the people. "Those who have remained at Apam also constructed six eight-seater toilets for schools and the community". He said the education group provided a library stocked with books. Dr Quartey commended the management and staff of the Hospital as well as chiefs and people of the Apam community for the wonderful reception accorded the volunteers, "we are really grateful," he added.