By Betty Luke
More than 200 people from vulnerable backgrounds in Isiolo’s Bulapesa and Burat wards have benefited from a free medical camp that sought to enhance access to healthcare for the needy in the region.
The beneficiaries, a majority of whom are living with chronic illnesses, said the initiative was a huge relief as some of them were unable to regularly attend clinics due to financial constraints.
“I have been living with diabetes for over 20 years that requires routine check-ups which I have not managed to access for several months now. I am glad the medics have attended to me and given me drugs that will take me for more than a month,” noted a 62-year-old James Leeman.
Another patient, Lydiah Ntinyari, hailed the program, saying the absence of a health facility in the area was forcing residents to travel long distances to access treatment.
“The majority of the residents here cannot afford to travel to the referral hospital, let alone shouldering hospital charges. They opt to use herbs or even ignoring sicknesses, posing a threat to their lives,” she said.
The camp was organized by Mama Alice Foundation in partnership with Northern Frontier Medical Association and Rotary Clubs of Isiolo, Gachie and Rongai among other local organizations.
Among the health services offered at the camp conducted at Kambi ya Juu MCK church ground were consultation, diagnosis, treatment, health education, medication among others.
One of the medics attending to patients, Dr Muthoni Kimani revealed that apart from the patients with chronic illnesses, one in two children treated there were malnourished.
“Half of them had severe cases of malnutrition while others mild, an issue we attribute to high poverty levels in the area. We have administered supplements and advised parents on the necessary actions that they should take,” noted Dr Muthoni.
Rotary Club of Isiolo President Kule Wario said while healthcare was a basic need, the majority of residents had no access due to poverty.
“We have realized there is a huge need to have similar initiatives. We call for concerted efforts from both well wishers and duty bearers to ensure the gap is filled,” she told The Press Point.
