Hundreds of residents in need of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medical attention have turned up for free screening at the Iten County Referral Hospital (ICRH), with surgeries set to begin on Wednesday.
The medical camp, organized by the county government in partnership with Sky Ridge Medical Training Centre from the United States, aims to provide critical ENT healthcare services to residents of Elgeyo Marakwet and beyond.
The ENT conditions include tonsillitis, snoring, ear infection, ruptured eardrum, allergies, and nosebleeds, among others.
According to Dr. Lawrence Kogos, the medical superintendent at Iten County Referral Hospital (ICRH), the visiting doctors arrived on Sunday for a preliminary visit and have since been conducting screenings.
The doctors are two neurosurgeons from the United States’ of America accompanied by one oral and maxillofacial surgeon dealing with mouth, face jaw and the dental area
Dr. Kogos noted that a good number of residents had turned up for the exercise.
“We have had very good numbers so far. We began the camp on Monday, and from as early as 6 a.m., patients were already arriving. So far, we have screened 117 patients, and around 25 have been booked for different surgeries,” Dr. Kogos said.
He added that preparations are ongoing and the medical team is working to ensure smooth operations for the surgeries, which are scheduled to begin on Wednesday morning
“There is hope to cover as many surgeries as possible. For those who may not be covered during this phase, we intend to partner with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) so that their ENT surgeons can progressively assist in clearing the backlog over the next few months,” he assured.
Dr. Kogos emphasized that no patient should worry about missing out, as the county is committed to ensuring all identified cases receive treatment.
“Those who will not benefit in this first stage will still be attended to by our local doctors, in partnership with MTRH, until the backlog is cleared,” he stated.
The county government has introduced a new policy allowing it to engage specialists where there is a shortage.
Dr. Kogos noted that ENT problems are common, yet specialists are scarce in the region. He highlighted the importance of this collaboration, saying, “Through this partnership, we aim to achieve two things. First, we want to assess the extent of ENT-related needs so that we can plan for more extensive work in the future.
Second, we are lobbying for donations to establish a dedicated ENT centre at ICRH, bringing these crucial services closer to the people of Elgeyo Marakwet,” he said.
Currently, the nearest ENT centre is at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, which is often overwhelmed with patients.
The medical camp is open to everyone, from young children to the elderly, and is not limited to Elgeyo Marakwet residents.
“We have ENT specialists in the county, but they are only able to handle simple cases. Plans are underway to set up a proper ENT centre and recruit ENT surgeons to ensure continuous service delivery,” he added.
Dr. Kogos assured the public that screening is free, and most surgeries will be covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“We will not deny anyone surgery just because they are not covered by SHA. Most patients had already registered after being informed early. However, in cases where SHA cannot cover the costs, the hospital will step in to ensure no patient is left untreated,” he said.
Elgeyo Marakwet Health CEC Monica Rotich emphasized the need for ENT services, especially for children, and assured residents that the county is working to ensure that those who do not get surgery during this camp will still receive treatment.
“We have put measures in place to ensure that patients who do not undergo surgery now will still get the services they need,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to the residents for turning up in large numbers.
“The importance of this medical camp is to gauge the level of need in the county. The turnout for screening gives us a clear picture, and with over 117 people screened so far, it is evident that ENT services are in high demand,” she noted.
Additionally, she has addressed the need to educate residents on how to prevent ENT diseases especially tonsillitis, which has affected many people.
Monica has regarded tonsillitis as a dangerous disease, saying that delayed treatment can result in heart problems.
The medical camp, which began on Monday, March 10, 2025, is being held at Iten County Referral Hospital, with surgeries scheduled between March 12 and 14, 2025.
Residents who require treatment are encouraged to visit the hospital for free screening.
By Rennish Okong’o and Joan Jelimo
