The Fred Hollows Foundation has donated equipment worth Sh3.5 million to boost the eye care health services in Busia County.
The equipment consisting of operating microscope, auto refractor, a scan machine and cataract sets will be based at the Khunyangu Sub County Referral Hospital in Butula Sub County to perform both major and minor eye surgeries.
Busia deputy governor Moses Mulomi received the consignment from the Foundation’s Programme Manager Catherine Jakaiti at the Busia County Referral Hospital (BCRH).
Mulomi lauded the efforts from the donor since the equipment will enhance access to quality eye services for locals especially in Butula Sub County which would now have a new satellite eye clinic similar to the one at the Kocholia Sub County Hospital.
“On behalf of the County Government of Busia, I want to appreciate the support provided by the Fred Hollows Foundation towards reducing blindness caused especially by cataract,” he said.
Jakaiti said they would continue partnering with the County Government of Busia to reduce avoidable blindness in the county.
“We have also partnered with Vision for Life which has donated a number of reading glasses to help the less privileged in the society,” she said.
Chief Officer Medical Services, Dr Isaac Omeri, encouraged healthcare workers to advance their training in the field of ophthalmology following the growing demand of ophthalmologists in the County.
The County eye coordinator Harriet Kavere said the County Government has benefited a lot from the support of the organization which has helped in terms of human resource, infrastructural development, equipment and supplies of various consumables.
Provision of eye health care services at the Khunyangu hospital will ease the pressure on the BCRH.
“The County government has plans to ensure eye care services are developed in all the Sub County hospitals through the opening of satellite eye clinics,” said Dr Janerose Ambuchi Director Medical Services.
The organization also donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) including face masks, gowns, face shields, surgical gloves, thermoguns and sanitizers that will benefit eye health workers especially at the Busia County Referral Hospital to protect them against Coronavirus (Covid-19).
By Absalom Namwalo
