Kisii: Over 2,000 patients with bone-related illnesses are poised to receive free medical treatment, thanks to a week-long medical camp organized at Nyanchwa Adventist Mission Hospital in the outskirts of Kisii town, Kisii County. At least 1,500 people had already registered to be seen by Tuesday morning, with numbers continuing to rise by evening.
According to Kenya News Agency, the transformative orthopedic medical camp was launched by the Mairura Foundation in partnership with the Mission Hospital. It aims to offer free specialized care to hundreds of patients from various parts of the country, many of whom have long endured bone and joint conditions without treatment due to financial and infrastructural constraints. Leading the initiative, Dr. Edwin Mairura, a renowned orthopedic surgeon and the visionary behind the foundation, explained that the camp seeks to bridge the healthcare gap and reduce inequalities through targeted orthopedic services.
Dr. Mairura elaborated that the camp provides both surgical and non-surgical interventions, which will help reduce disparities in various communities. Treatments range from common ailments such as shoulder, knee, and hip pain to severe trauma cases often caused by motorcycle accidents, which have become a growing safety concern in the area. Joint replacements will be performed to restore mobility and quality of life to patients who had almost given up hope.
The orthopedic doctor expressed optimism that the consultations will exceed last year’s numbers, which stood at 1,500. He noted that specialized surgeons are on-site to treat complex upper limb deformities and other conditions. “Last year at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), we performed about 40 operations and served over 1,000 patients,” recalled Dr. Mairura. He added that they have already lined up 115 surgical cases and expect to complete between 40 and 50 operations by the end of the camp.
The initiative welcomes all age groups, from children with congenital deformities to elderly patients struggling with degenerative bone diseases. Urging residents to adopt healthy lifestyles, Dr. Mairura highlighted the Foundation’s vision, which extends beyond treatment and champions preventive healthcare. “Watch your diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and listen to your body,” he advised.
The hospital’s CEO, Dancan Mosioma, applauded the initiative, explaining that the burden of these conditions is enormous and the cost of care is quite high. Mosioma mentioned that some orthopedic surgeries, such as spinal procedures or joint replacements, can cost more than Sh500,000 at private hospitals. He expressed concern that Kisii lacks a dedicated orthopedic and spine center and envisions building a permanent facility at the hospital for continuous treatment for those in need.
Patients from various regions have shared their experiences and hopes regarding the camp. Elijah Maranga from Mombasa County learned about the camp from his aunt and decided to travel because his illness persisted after an accident injured his right shoulder. He decried the long queues and wished for more doctors and similar camps to offer services. Hellen Kwamboka from Nakuru suffered for a long period after injuring her leg. She described the process as slow and hoped for more camp days to ensure everyone receives treatment.
Charles Ondieki from Kuresoi, Nakuru County, was optimistic that the aches in his hands would finally be a thing of the past. He urged the organizers to have such initiatives more frequently, adding that a week-long exercise was not adequate to serve the overwhelming numbers. He lamented how he had spent a lot of money and seen many doctors in vain.
