Thousands flock free medical camps in Murang'a

Thousands of Murang’a residents on Wednesday flocked free medical camps organised to commemorate the World Aids Day.

The medical camps organised in Kambira dispensary in Kiharu constituency and Makuyu health centre had more than 1,000 patients treated for various illnesses.

Politician Jamleck Kamau, who organised the camps, however, expressed fears that the high turn out is an indication that residents are unable to access health care. 

By 10am, the camp in Kambirwa had registered more than 600 people. The camps, he said, were set in areas with high poverty and morbidity levels.

“It may be that people do not have the finances to seek health care and buy drugs. This might be due to the pandemic and its effects,” he said.

The former Kigumo MP said the two camps will run for two days and have the capacity to treat 2,000 people each.

He said more than half of the patients in the semi-arid parts of the county suffer from eye infections and lifestyle diseases that include hypertension and diabetes.

According to Edward Kibori, a clinical officer, arthritis, peptic ulcers and gastritis were also found to be prominent.

Kibori said majority of the illnesses can be managed with a controlled diet.

The officer urged residents to undertake regular medical check-ups instead of waiting for diseases to manifest.

“Most people wait until it is too late and the diseases become difficult to treat,” he said.

The camp also offered HIV/Aids testing and those found to be positive were counselled and linked with preferred health facilities for follow-ups.

Kamau who organised a similar camp in Ithanga, Gatanga two months ago said more than 81 cataracts surgeries were conducted at Lions hospital.

“We treated more than 2,000 people in that camp and more than half had optical issues,” he said, adding that the illnesses are caused by dust.

Kamau lauded the county government for partnering with him and allowing its facilities to be used for the camps.

Those in need of specified treatment were referred to Murang’a General Hospital while eye surgeries are being conducted at the Lions hospital.

“We are also issuing free spectacles, drugs and Covid-19 jabs,” he added.

Mary Njeri, a patient, said she was able to get tested for HIV for the first time.

Njeri who is 58-years-old said she has never visited a hospital to get tested and that the medical camp encouraged her.

“Am happy that besides getting treatment, I have known my status,” she said, lauding the organiser for bringing health care close to their homes.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)