Nambale: More than 800 residents of Nambale Sub-county have benefited from a free medical camp that provided eye care, dental treatment, and general healthcare services.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative was organised through a partnership between Osiya Foundation, Sabatia Eye Clinic, and Moi University, aiming to improve access to healthcare for vulnerable residents.
Speaking during the exercise at Kisoco Catholic church in Nambale, Dr Lilian Apadet from Moi University emphasized the need for more community-based healthcare interventions. She noted that the turnout demonstrated the demand for addressing common illnesses affecting residents.
Dr. Apadet revealed that they attended to about 850 patients with various health conditions. Among them, 300 had eye-related problems, 350 required dental services, and around 170 were treated for general health conditions. The medical team also conducted 40 eye surgeries and provided eyeglasses to many patients who needed them.
Dr. Apadet urged residents to prioritize regular medical checkups and seek treatment immediately if they notice health complications. She emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes.
Principal Administrative Secretary in the Office of the President, Arthur Osiya, attributed the large turnout to the increasing healthcare challenges faced by residents. He highlighted the struggle many people face in accessing quality and affordable medical services.
Osiya expressed concerns over the state of healthcare services in Busia County, especially with the heightened risk of Ebola due to outbreaks in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He stressed the need for stakeholders to ensure continuous essential healthcare services amid challenges like the health workers’ strike.
He also called on the Busia County Government to invest more in healthcare infrastructure, medical supplies, and the welfare of healthcare workers to improve service delivery. Osiya noted the importance of equipping hospitals to provide quality services and prioritizing the welfare of healthcare workers for efficient service delivery.
Bernard Okwara, who underwent free eye surgery, shared his gratitude for the medical camp. He noted that the initiative had restored hope to many patients who could not afford treatment, highlighting the impact of such camps on communities facing similar challenges.
