MAKURDI – The Head, Clinical Services, Madonna Hospital, Makurdi, Benue State, Dr Martha Ochoga, said one Senenge Agbanyi, who was born with an ineffective anus has had a successful operation in the hospital.
Briefing newsmen in Makurdi on Friday, Ochoga confirmed that the first phase of the operation was successful.
She added that the second phase was planned a few months from now.
She explained that the situation of the baby was caused as a result of congenital malformation during the pregnancy.
“This is a case of congenital malformation that is why it is very important to attend antenatal during pregnancy.
“We have already treated similar cases here successfully, but his situation was very clear, he had an ineffective anus at birth.
“There was no opening for him to ease himself thus he needed the operation as soon as possible,” she said.
She disclosed that the baby was in good condition, adding that the surgical team was keeping close attention on the patient.
The baby is only six days old.
The father of the baby, Mr Titus Agbanyi, told NAN that the baby was delivered on Oct. 17 at Tse Gndi, Guma local government area, without an anus.
“My wife gave birth on Oct. 17 at Tse- Gndi in Guma local government area. Few hours later we discovered that the baby was without an anus and needed surgical operation.
“Raising the funds for the operation was very hard as we are only trying to recover from an attack in our area that destroyed everything we had.
“We came to the hospital only to be told that an initial deposit of N50,000 must be paid to commence the first phase of the operation.
“We were about to be discharged when another patient in the hospital called the Rotary Club of Makurdi Sunrise for assistance and they quickly come to our aid.
“They have taken care of all the expenses so far and are taking good care of us as well,’’ he said.
Agbanyi commended the club for coming to their aid, praying that God should grant them all their heart desires.
NAN reports that both parents of the baby are rural farmers.
The President, Rotary Club Makurdi Sunrise, Mr Charles Nyikaa, said that the club was notified of the incident through the wife of one of their members who was also admitted at the hospital.
Nyikaa said that they had decided to partially adopt the baby following the financial condition of the parents.
He disclosed that though they had already spent over N100,000 on the medical expenses and other needs of the baby, the actual amount needed for the two operations was yet to be known.
He appealed to the public and corporate organisations to assist the club and less privileged people in the society to improve their standard of living. (NAN)
