Hundreds of residents of Migori town enjoyed free medical service during a free medical camp organized by the Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu, the German Finance Cooperation, and the county government of Migori.
The event, held at Migori County Stadium, saw locals receive specialized medical care and attention from specialist doctors from the Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu.
Among the services offered were general screening, diabetic tests, and malaria tests, among other basic ailments. Additionally, all the patients received free treatments and drugs after undergoing thorough tests.
Speaking during the event, Ms Sally Hawii, the pharmacy manager at the Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu, revealed that pneumonia, malaria, and traces of fungal infections were among the leading diseases identified in tests conducted on various clients.
She added that children were mostly suffering from respiratory problems, with many experiencing breathing difficulties and coughs. She also outlined that special cases are referred to their outreach facilities, while those with chronic diseases like diabetes were given a full month’s dose free of charge.
“Today we are giving medical services to residents of Migori free of charge. Also, we do referrals for clients with serious cases to the county referral hospital for further assistance,” said Ms. Hawii.
She added that the initiative will be an annual drive across the country, depending on medical needs as they arise.
Kennedy Mulalama, the project manager from the Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu, said that such medical outreaches are among the partnerships they undertake with county and national governments to improve and increase access to quality and specialized medical services for the general public.
He added that such medical camps are geared towards promoting screening to help identify any underlying medical conditions, making them easier to manage.
Fredric Lawi, a resident of Migori town, praised the initiative, noting that tough economic conditions sometimes prevent people from getting specialized medical care from hospitals like the Aga Khan.
“We are happy to have received free medical treatment here courtesy of the Aga Khan Hospital. Currently, the economy does not allow us to get better healthcare if you don’t have medical insurance like the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF),” he said.
Lawi, however, challenged other private health facilities in Migori also to remember the poor locals who cannot afford to get treatment from their facilities, providing free medical care just like the Aga Khan has done.
Migori County community health promoters who were involved in mobilizing for the medical camp noted that the free medical camp has helped them solve some cases of chronic ailments among their community members who needed specialized medical attention.
Ms. Emmaculate Awino, a CHP from Migori County Referral, outlined that apart from gaining exposure on how to offer better healthcare at the community level, their status as health promoters in the community has also been raised.
She added that the camp has also elevated them and earned the trust and respect of the locals they serve, who sometimes look down upon their work as frontline healthcare providers at the community level.
“This camp has earned us a great name and validated our work in the villages. When you bring community members to free medical camps and they get treated, they then view you as an important member of society,” said Auma.
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