THOUSANDS are set to receive free life-changing surgeries and medical care in July, as the Seventh-day Adventist Community Hospital in Cocorite teams up with US-based non-profit Hands International for one of the largest humanitarian health initiatives the country has seen.

The Hands International Medical Mission 2025, scheduled for July 21-24, will offer free clinical and surgical services in ophthalmology, gastroenterology, gynaecology and general surgery. The mission will be delivered by a massive team of 125 volunteer professionals, including nurses, general practitioners and surgeons.

For many, it will be the only realistic chance to access procedures that are often unaffordable or involve years-long public health waiting lists.