THE Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) has launched its first-ever specialized pain management treatment by conducting a 15-day radiology camp to treat patients with chronic pain.

Speaking at a press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday, MNH Executive Director Prof. Mohamed Janabi said that by Tuesday, a total of 25 patients had begun treatment with expectation that over 180 patients will benefit from the camp.

Prof. Janabi said that the success of the camp was made possible by MNH’s Radiology Department, especially the Interventional Radiology unit in collaboration with Dr David Prologo, an expert from Emory Johns Creek Hospital in the United States.

Chronic pain can result from various causes such as age-related joint degeneration, cancer, past injuries, and affects areas like the back, legs, shoulders and head.

“The camp focuses on patients with chronic pain who have not responded well to conventional treatments such as medication or physiotherapy,” he said.

“It also targets those whose pain has significantly impacted their daily activities, including work, and where the cause of pain is clearly identifiable, making treatment planning easier.”

Dr Prologo, a specialist in interventional radiology and chronic pain management, provides hands-on training to MNH doctors during the camp, sharing his expertise in specialized pain management procedures.

Some of the treatments offered during the camp include radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for knee osteoarthritis and facet joint pain, epidural injections for spinal pain, vertebroplasty for vertebral fractures, PENG blocks for hip and shoulder pain and ablations for abdominal pain caused by pancreatic tumours.

“This camp has not only benefited our patients but also provided a valuable platform for knowledge transfer to local specialists,” Prof. Janabi added.

MNH’s chronic pain clinic receives over 200 patients weekly, with many suffering from chronic back pain. Prof. Janabi cautioned the public against the overuse of painkillers which can lead to complications like kidney disease.

“I urge people to avoid regular painkiller use as it offers only temporary relief and can cause more harm in the long run,” he said.

Dr Prologo praised MNH for having one of the top radiology departments globally, highlighting its advanced technology and skilled staff. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the standards as demand for such services continues to rise.

“By maintaining the standards, pain management through interventional radiology will continue to grow and succeed,” Dr Prologo said.