Nairobi: Over 300 residents of Thingithu Ward in Laikipia County received free medical check-ups and advice during a medical camp aimed at emphasizing the importance of preventive measures to combat the rise in lifestyle diseases. The camp offered screenings for prostate cancer, a condition that medics noted is increasingly prevalent, especially as many men tend to seek medical attention only when the disease has advanced.
According to Kenya News Agency, Laikipia Deputy Governor Rueben Kamuri, who organized the event under the Kamuri Foundation, highlighted the financial strain prostate cancer treatment places on households. He urged men to embrace regular screenings for early detection and diagnosis. “Men are the pillars of society and families, always on the front line, and I am happy they have turned in large numbers for treatment. We are encouraging early detection and screening for healthier counties,” Kamuri stated.
The medical camp also provided treatments for blood pressure, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases, along with training by nutritionists on healthy living. “The medical camp focused on preventive health care, including getting checked for non-communicable diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and prostate cancer,” Kamuri added.
Beneficiaries of the camp voiced concerns regarding the challenges faced by county health facilities, such as frequent strikes by medical personnel and persistent shortages of drugs. They appealed for the national government to take over the management of these facilities to improve service delivery. Grace Muthoni, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her frustration, stating, “We have a lot of challenges in our county hospitals, when you visit, you’re told no drugs or even bandages, we are not benefitting. Frequent medics strikes is another pressing issue and I beseech county health facilities to be reverted back to National government.”
Health functions in Kenya are devolved under the 2010 Constitution, but service delivery issues have persisted, leading to preventable loss of lives. Deputy Governor Kamuri, who has had previous disagreements with his superior over the equipping of local hospitals, announced that the Kamuri Foundation would continue to support vulnerable groups. Kamuri, a health expert, emphasized that his mission is nonpolitical and that he seeks partnerships to help reduce preventable diseases in central Kenya.
