More than 500 elderly residents of the remote Ndalani area, Yatta Sub County, most of whom have been bedridden for years, have benefited from a free medical camp organized by a Thika-based hospital.
The aged persons were screened for diabetes, eye problems and high blood sugar among other health complications related to old age.
The camp was organized by Thika Lions Hospital after it emerged that most of them have never sought medical attention for years, due to financial constraints and lack of hospitals in the area, preferring to ail in their beds.
Thika Nursing Home MD Dr Barham Vasisht who led the medical camp said more than 300 of them, who had various eye complications received treatment and that 30 of them who had serious eye sight problems will undergo cataract surgery in their hospital.
He said the remoteness of the area denied residents access to basic services saying they will organize more of such camps in future.
The residents led by Francis Kilango, a local leader lauded the initiative saying that the elderly have something to smile about, following years of neglect from the local leadership.
He said many have found accessing medical care challenging, since the closest hospital in the area, the Matuu Level 4, is 20 kilometers away and most of the time lacks medicine.
He blamed the local leadership for failure to put up hospitals in the area.
Kilango at the same time called on locals to register with the National Health Insurance Fund to cater for their medical expenses.
“Hundreds of the elderly population in this area are bedridden, suffering from age-related complications. They cannot access medical attention because the only available hospital is several kilometers away,” said Kilango.
“This is due to poor leadership and we call on the next county administration to consider constructing more hospitals in the area,” added Kilango.
He also called on well-wishers to organize more free medical camps to help the ailing residents.
The group also donated wheelchairs, food stuffs and mattresses to Our Lady Victory Primary School in the area that has over 50 pupils with special needs.
“The wheelchairs offer a big boost to the mobility of our pupils who have special needs. We hope more well-wishers will chip in and help the pupils realize their life dreams,” said Lucy Nderitu, the school head teacher.
By Muoki Charles
