Hundreds of Makueni residents received free medical checkups in an event organized by the Department of Health Services in partnership with M-pesa Foundation, Zuri Health and Lions First Sight Eye Hospital.
The free camp that was held at Unoa Sports Ground in Wote town where the residents were screened for dental care, diabetes, high blood pressure, eyes problems, cervical cancer, breast cancer and HIV testing among others.
Speaking at the event, Safaricom and M-pesa Foundation Programme Manager Sofia Onyango said that they are committed to transforming lives through provision of healthcare saying that the camp is the 33rd one noting they intend to reach all the 47 counties in the country.
“We prioritize maternal and child health to ensure mothers have access to well-equipped facilities. We also follow up on patients, especially those diagnosed with chronic illnesses, to ensure they receive continuous care,” Onyango said.
Further, the Manager disclosed that in such events, they encourage women to ensure they deliver in hospitals where they provide necessary supplies to mothers who give birth.
During the event, the foundation donated 100 maternity pads to mothers who had given birth at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.
Speaking at the same event, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili reaffirmed the government’s effort to improve maternal health care and asked the residents to make use of the available services across health facilities.
At the same time, Mulili reiterated the government’s commitment in equipping health facilities with required facilities besides employing skilled personnel to enhance service delivery.
“We have brought high-tech medical equipment and qualified doctors to ensure our residents receive the best health care. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these services,” Mulili said.
On his part, Department of Health Services Executive Committee Member (CECM) Paul Musila said they are going to invest Sh17 million at Matulani Dispensary to be a Health Centre with a view to enable residents access services easily without travelling far.
By Ken Ndivo