Top UK award for surgeon dedicated to helping rural areas

Access to quality surgical care should not be limited by geographical location or socioeconomic conditions, doctor says

Eastern Cape Dr Radhakrishnan Jayakrishnan, who dedicates himself to surgery in rural areas and is driven to develop surgical services in underprivileged areas and challenging environments, is to be honoured with the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

The fellowship, a prestigious postgraduate qualification for surgeons, is from one of the oldest surgical bodies, with its origins tracing back to the Guild of Barber Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1505.

He was awarded the fellowship in recognition for his long-standing involvement with the Primary Trauma Care Foundation, the establishment of trauma training courses, and his dedication to empowering healthcare professionals in managing trauma.

He is head of the department of general surgery at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane and also a senior lecturer at Walter Sisulu University.

He said: “Throughout much of my career, I have dedicated myself to rural surgery, with a particular focus on developing surgical services in underprivileged areas and challenging environments.”

Eight years ago he was recruited by the provincial department of health to revitalise surgical services at Cecilia Makiwane.

“Before this appointment, I worked at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha. Since joining Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, I have played a pivotal role in transforming the surgical department from its initial rudimentary state to a fully staffed unit, including consultants, registrars, medical officers and interns,” he said.

Jayakrishnan believes access to quality surgical care should not be limited by geographical locations or socioeconomic conditions.

“Conviction inspired me to focus my efforts on improving healthcare delivery in underserved regions, where the need for specialised surgical services often goes unmet.”

His inspiration came from his father who had practised as a general practitioner before specialising as a general surgeon.

“Observing the positive effect he had on his patients, left a lasting impression on me. These experiences served as some of my earliest influences in pursuing a career in medicine.

“The ability to improve patients’ health and wellbeing directly and tangibly through surgical procedures was incredibly gratifying. This realisation made the decision to choose the path of a surgical career relatively easy for me.”

He completed his undergraduate training in India before pursuing a higher diploma in surgery at the College of Surgeons of SA.

He joined the department of general surgery at Nelson Mandela Hospital as a surgical registrar, completing his postgraduate specialisation and qualifying as a fellow of the College of Surgeons of SA.

Jayakrishnan said there was a critical shortage of general surgeons in rural areas. “The ongoing challenges of recruitment and retention in these regions highlight the urgent need for interventions to ensure access to surgical care for rural populations. In my professional opinion, the SA College of Surgeons might develop a specialised training programme in rural surgery, which would greatly benefit regional hospitals and improve healthcare delivery in these areas.”

Jayakrishnan’s responsibilities encompass a range of activities. The day typically begins with a comprehensive ward round involving all the doctors. “Subsequently, I attend the outpatients’ clinic, perform surgical procedures, supervise trainees and conduct diagnostic endoscopies. Additionally, I am actively involved in teaching students and addressing administrative matters.”

His schedule allows him to provide comprehensive patient care, mentor and educate future medical professionals, and ensure effective communication and co-ordination within the healthcare team.

He admits the profession can be demanding both emotionally and physically, but it is also fulfilling. “The immense satisfaction derived from saving a life through surgical intervention is beyond measure.”