Embu: The Embu County Government has launched a health outreach programme designed to take specialist medical care to residents in rural sub-counties. Through the initiative dubbed ‘Madaktari Mashinani’ (Doctors at the grassroots), the Department of Health will be assembling a team of specialist doctors to offer a wide array of services, including specialised consultations, comprehensive screening and rehabilitative care.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Public Health Chief Officer Henry Nthiga announced during the first outreach event held at Kategi Health Center in Mwea Sub-county that the programme was a strategic move to decentralise healthcare by shifting specialist services from Embu Level Five Hospital and Level Fours to rural communities. Nthiga highlighted the programme’s goal to reduce the burden of long-distance travel to major facilities, enabling residents to access specialised care locally.
Nthiga noted that many patients in rural areas have historically been forced to forego their refer
ral appointments to major facilities due to high costs and physical strain. He emphasized that the initiative aims to address this gap, allowing patients to be reviewed and booked at their nearest health facility.
Area Medical Officer of Health, Terry Matheka, commented that the initiative revealed a significant number of patients at the grassroots suffering in silence because they cannot reach major hospitals. She expressed concern over the growing cases of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and various forms of cancer, urging residents to go for regular check-ups for early detection and intervention.
Patients expressed gratitude for the initiative, which brings specialised services closer to them. Miriam Nyaguthii, whose baby was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, appreciated the access to a paediatric expert locally, which eliminated the need for an expensive trip to a major hospital.
