Kajiado County residents suffering from diabetes have appealed to the Government to avail their medication in public hospitals.
According to a member of Ngong Diabetes Association, Samuel Karanja, diabetic patients in the County were grappling with high cost of medication when they have to buy from private chemists when the same were not available in public health facilities.
“I appeal to the County and National Government to come to the aid of diabetic patients since the cost of drugs and associated treatment is very high,” said Karanja.
He however, challenged the diabetic patients to enroll for National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) cover to reduce the burden on management of the disease.
He noted that several people lived in denial yet diabetes is Non-Communicable disease that could be easily managed through proper healthy lifestyle and treatment.
“Knowing your health status is the best thing that can happen to anyone who needs to manage any abnormality,” he said. “We advocate for regular medical check-up for all our family members to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and related complications and keep a healthy society,” he added.
The Ngong Ward Member of County Assembly, Robert Muoria urged the residents to observe healthy lifestyles in order to keep rising cases of diabetes at bay.
The MCA said the Government has made access to medication easier through the subsidized NHIF monthly fees.
He said those already enrolled for NHIF could get diabetes drugs from any accredited hospital.
“We shall ensure drugs are available in all public hospitals to make it possible for patients to access medication easily and management of communicable diseases,” said Muoria.
The County legislator made his remarks at Ngong Bus Park during the County Diabetes awareness campaign to mark the World Diabetes day where he challenged the residents to practice healthy lifestyles.
The event, sponsored by Kajiado County Government in partnership with Ngong Diabetes Support Group Association, saw over 300 people screened for blood sugar and blood pressure.
According to the World Health Organization reports published in 2017, around 1.6 million people worldwide died due to diabetes in 2016. It was estimated that 425 million people are living with diabetes all over the world. Projections show that this number will rise to some 629 million diabetics globally by 2045.
By Nelly Kosgey/Ian Wamatu
