Over 800 residents of Kitengela town, Kajiado County received free medical services during a medical camp organized by the local Rotary Club.
The residents received a wide range of health services such as cervical and prostate cancer screening, HIV counselling and testing, eye screening, family planning services, dental services, nutrition and urinalysis.
Patients with tuberculosis, diabetes, skin conditions, general ailments such as cold and flu also received treatment free of charge.
According to Judy Maruru, a board member at Kitengela Rotary Club, one of the club’s main objectives is to improve the general health of the community and this can only be achieved through increasing access to health services.
Maruru appealed to the residents to go for early diagnosis and not wait until they have symptoms as it helps to cut on medical costs and save lives.
“Regular medical checkups will enable early diagnosis of ailments making it easier to treat various ailments and that is why I want to encourage all residents to always visit hospitals for regular checkups,” Maruru said.
The Rotarian noted that eye and chest infections were among the most common ailments recorded at the free medical camp, and this could be linked to the dry and dusty conditions witnessed in the town environs.
Acute malnutrition among children under the age of five, the elderly, pregnant and lactating mothers was also recorded during the medical camp.
Milka Nabongo, a beneficiary of the camp expressed her gratitude for the free medical camp adding that she had received free medication for a skin condition that has been bothering her for months.
Andrew Kimani, another patient who also received free screening and treatment for hypertension called for regular free medical camps to be held in the area to ensure those who cannot afford treatment in hospitals have access to health care.
“With the high standards of living, not everyone can afford to go to hospitals or buy prescribed drugs as they are expensive. Free medical camps like this are a blessing and should be held regularly to save lives,” said Kimani.
The free medical camp was organized in partnership with Carmelitas Misioneras, Kajiado County Government and St. Theresa Dispensary.
By Rop Janet
