Over 2000 residents of Kajiado North constituency received free health services at a medical camp held at Nakeel grounds.
The free medical camp was sponsored by a delegation from the US, led by Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter, and Kajiado County Government in partnership with Dorcas Rigathi Foundation (DRF), Saitoti Hospital, Lions Group of Hospitals, Kenya Medical Supplies and Diabetes Management and Information Centre.
The residents received a wide range of health services such as cervical and prostate cancer screening, HIV Counselling and Testing, eye screening, dental services, family planning services and nutrition
Patients seeking various treatments for ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, flu, skin diseases among others received free diagnosis and medication.
Speaking during the launch of the medical camp, the spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi emphasized the need for increasing grassroots’ access to health services.
She noted that their mission was to try and reach the vulnerable across the country and ensure no one is left behind by bringing health services closer to the people.
“Our mission is simple but profound; to increase grassroots access to health care services and to promote early diagnosis of key health issues,” she said.
Pastor Rigathi urged residents to always go for regular medical checkups adding that Kenya was among countries struggling with an increase in lifestyle diseases of which many were fatal if left unattended.
She said early diagnosis, proper treatment, regular exercise and proper diet could help keep lifestyle diseases at bay.
Pastor Rigathi also had a candid conversation and engagement with the boy child on drug abuse and how they could be productive in the community.
Residents who attended the free medical camp expressed their gratitude to the organizers of the camp with many revealing that they were unable to access health services due to the high cost of living.
Peninah Kamau, a resident of Nkairumunya Ward, said she had received medication and advice on how to manage hypertension.
Kamau said she was diagnosed with hypertension six years ago and often; she could not afford medication due to the high costs of drugs.
Another beneficiary of the camp, Philip Keittany reiterated the importance of bringing medical services closer to the people, noting that many under-privileged persons in the society could not afford to go to hospital.
By Rop Janet
