Ivan’s Ordeal
This is the story of Ivan Nswadi, a 24-year-old man from Ntinda village in Iganga District, Uganda, shared by Dr. Moses Wambi.
In April 2020, Ivan woke up to a nightmare. His right foot was terribly swollen and painful. His mother, Scovia Namukasa, panicked, fearing a snake bite. However, community members quickly concluded it was “Eitalo,” a mysterious illness believed to be witchcraft, for which medical treatment was thought to be futile.
Convinced their son was bewitched, Ivan’s parents sought a herbalist. The herbalist charged them UGX 150,000 for what he claimed was a sophisticated case of witchcraft. He tied Ivan’s swollen foot with a banana fiber and instructed them to leave it for five days. After five days, Ivan’s foot was severely swollen, throbbing with pain, and felt incredibly heavy. The herbalist then performed an “operation” with a razor blade, which caused Ivan excruciating pain and a putrid smell to emanate from the wound. Despite making Ivan’s condition worse, the herbalist continued to demand more money. Seven days later, maggots had infested the rotting wound.
“The clinical officer there prescribed drugs in phases, costing UGX 150,000, then UGX 100,000, and finally UGX 90,000.”
Disheartened, Ivan’s father, Moses Nguluka, took him to Herbert’s Clinic. The clinical officer there prescribed drugs in phases, costing UGX 150,000, then UGX 100,000, and finally UGX 90,000. Ivan received treatment for nearly a year, experiencing only slight pain reduction but no wound healing. Defeated, Ivan returned home, resigned to waiting for a miracle or amputation.
One Sunday, during a church service, Dr. Moses Wambi spoke about the excellent medical services at Lamu Medical Centre in Jinja, where he had recently had a successful Lipoma operation. Ivan and his father were in the congregation and immediately made plans to visit the center.
“Days later, Ivan received the long-awaited call from Lamu Medical Centre. He and his father rushed back. Ivan was admitted and, at 2:00 PM that day, a team of experienced and friendly doctors began operating on his foot. Ivan felt a comforting atmosphere around him”
They were warmly welcomed at Lamu Medical Centre, a stark contrast to their previous experiences. Ivan was quickly screened. His father worried about an exorbitant bill, especially given the exceptional care they received, but no mention of cost was made. An appointment was set for Ivan’s admission.
Days later, Ivan received the long-awaited call from Lamu Medical Centre. He and his father rushed back. Ivan was admitted and, at 2:00 PM that day, a team of experienced and friendly doctors began operating on his foot. Ivan felt a comforting atmosphere around him, unlike his previous medical encounters. The operation was completed in two hours. Ivan’s father remained anxious about the bill, but it never came.
The care at Lamu Medical Centre was exceptional. Ivan’s father was astonished to find his son being treated like a special guest, with ample food and drinks provided, rather than a typical patient.
After a thorough assessment, Dr. Francis discharged Ivan but advised regular follow-up visits. Ivan diligently followed the instructions until March 2023, when he felt completely healed.
Ivan and his family often share their testimony at church, still amazed by the incredible customer care and wonderful services they received at Lamu Medical Centre