Over 1, 000 ailing Weitethie residents in Juja Subcounty have thronged an eye clinic camp at Zetech University, Mang’u campus to at least access medical care amidst the ongoing strike by medics.
The residents took advantage of the exercise organised by the university and other stakeholders to at least access medical services for other ailments following weeks of suffering at their homes due to lack of treatment.
Zetech Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Alice Njuguna said they had targeted to have at least 300 people but over 1,000 flocked their institution something she attributes to the effects of the ongoing strike.
While calling for a truce between striking doctors and the government to end the strike, Prof Njuguna said the high turnout at the camp shows that many ailing Kenyans are suffering in their homes for lack of treatment.
She said many area residents live below the poverty line and could not afford treatment in private hospitals thus a dire need for more free medical camps.
The exercise was administered by the PCEA Kikuyu Hospital, and the Christian Blind Mission, at the institution’s Mang’u Technology Park.
According to statistics by the Christian Blind Mission’s Vision Impact Project, more than 7.5million Kenyans are in need of eye care services.
This is despite only 1.6 million people being able to avail themselves for these crucial services.
Juja Sub County Public Health Officer Anne Mwangi said eye sight challenges need to be addressed through regular screening.
She called on the youth to avoid exposing themselves to intense light especially on their mobile phones and television as a preventive measure.
Ms Mwangi however acknowledged systemic challenges, including workforce shortages, limited infrastructure, and inadequate financing, which have historically marginalised those in need of eye care.
Residents welcomed the initiative saying they at least got to understand their health better.
By Muoki Charles
