Hundreds of patients today turned up at the Embu Level 5 hospital for free treatment during a medical camp organised by doctors from the USA.
The medical outreach organised by US-based iHOPE International, in conjunction with the Embu County government, hopes to attend to over 10,000 people over the next four days.
The medical camp, set to run until Friday this week, brought together a team of 48 specialist doctors and nurses who will offer a wide range of treatments, including surgeries, for patients with chronic illnesses.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, opened the camp and said that health matters were at the centre of her administration.
Mbarire lauded the team for volunteering to be part of the noble cause of alleviating the suffering of many patients unable to access treatment due to a lack of finances.
She said chronic diseases were especially devastating to family finances, adding that some families had been left destitute after a family member was taken ill.
“I am delighted as I open this exercise today; it’s indeed a noble cause to have this medical camp at this time,” said Mbarire.
She called on residents to take advantage of the opportunity properly since the exercise was free and urged many to come out for screening.
Embu County Executive Committee member for Health, Jamal Runyenje, expressed optimism that many patients suffering from various chronic illnesses will benefit and be able to live a normal life.
“We are set for major surgeries to be conducted by our doctors together with the US surgeons for the next week, but we are still calling on many people across the county who have suffered for a long time to come to the camp and have their issues sorted out,” he said.
Amy Pajnik, the Chief Executive Officer of iHOPE International, said the free medical camp was a way of giving back to the community.
“It gives me pleasure to come back to Kenya and give back to society, and we call upon residents to come out in large numbers,” she said.
Embu County Assembly Health Committee Chairman Job Itumo and Runyenjes Central Member of the County Assembly Edwin Murimi pledged to support the health sector in the county through proper legislation.
By Steve Gatheru
