In the wake of a nationwide shortage of vaccines, it is a relief for Mariakani residents as the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), in partnership with the County Government of Kilifi, organised a one-day medical camp.
The post-Madaraka Day medical camp saw more than 1,000 patients from all walks of life treated with different ailments and babies getting vaccinated.
Dr. Priscilla Kashero, a paediatrician and Medical Superintendent of Mariakani Sub-County Hospital, said the medical camp enabled the patients to get free services and catch up on missed vaccines.
“We have attended to many patients. Some have already been attended, and some are in the queue. The majority of the babies have missed vaccines, and this is their opportunity to come and get vaccinations,” said Dr. Kashero.
Admittedly, Dr. Kashero revealed that they were affected by the shortage of vaccines in health facilities like Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and the measles vaccine in the country.
Babies who had ailments like epilepsy, and those who had missed drugs, got drugs. Women who are of reproductive age were screened for cervical cancer, got family planning services, and had breast examinations, among other ailments.
“If you come with a flu or cough, we are doing Tuberculosis screening, HIV counselling and testing, psychiatric illness, and mental health opportunities for counselling and treatment,” stated Dr. Kashero.
Area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Martha Koki, thanked KPA for the inaugural medical camp in her ward since the advent of devolution. She said residents from 54 villages got treatment and drugs.
“We are happy our people will get treatment,” said Koki, urging KPA to extend the medical outreaches to other wards in the expansive Kilifi County.
Kilifi County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Peter Mwarogo said the medical camp is a strategy for enhancing medical outreaches to the villages to treat ailments at the community level.
He said the medical outreaches are to be conducted quarterly under the Primary Health Care Network, one of the provisions of the Universal Health Care
CECM Mwarogo noted that some patients will get referrals to other hospitals to improve the healthcare of Kilifi residents.
“There is a countrywide shortage of vaccines. We have tried to distribute and redistribute the vaccines we have in our pharmacies. We believe the national government will find a lasting solution,” said Mwarogo.
On her part, KPA Senior Communication Officer Serah Tuva said the authority will be partnering with devolved governments to enhance healthcare in the villages.
Kambe Mashombo, a patient, said she was treated and got drugs. She urged the KPA to return to the area in two months. “Our dispensary lacks drugs; we usually go to private hospitals. I usually spend between Sh2000-3000 to get treatment at private facilities,” said Mashombo.
By Sadik Hassan
