Thika,

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

K.N.A

By Muoki Charles

It was a relief to hundreds of residents of Mithini village, Machakos County after they received free medical checkup from well-wishers in efforts to enable them to lead a healthier life.

The exercise that was conducted by Mount Kenya University Health Students Association (MKUHSA) and ACK-Church Mother’s Union targeted over 300 residents, mostly those from poor family background.

Among the services they received included general medical check-ups, medication reviews, counseling for family planning, cervical & prostate cancer screening, dental care and eye assessment.

They were also sensitised on family planning, nutrition, diet and public health sessions and distribution of essential medications including contraceptive methods.

 A team of doctors, oral health officers, nurses, clinical officers, and community health workers led the exercise.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was seeing the impact we were having on people’s lives. We saw a lot of people with preventable illnesses, and it was clear that the village health camp was making a significant difference in their lives,” said Ahmed Shenga, the President of MKUHSA who led the medical team.

The ACK Mothers Union church and Mithini community expressed their gratitude for the free services saying it has been of big impact particularly to the under-privileged who cannot afford access to medical care.

They decried that the area has few hospitals which are not well equipped with facilities and drugs, making access to medical care challenging.

“This is one of the remotest areas of Machakos that neighbors Kiambu County. Access to fully equipped health facilities is a challenge and thus the medical camp has helped many of us, especially those who cannot afford medical care. We request that the check-ups be made more frequently to help us in reducing treatable diseases,” said Peter Ndunda, one of the residents.

Dr Josphat Njuguna, a Principal MKU College of Health Sciences and a general Practitioner said the check-ups will be made frequent.

He urged the community to consider seeking treatment when they fall ill saying some of the diseases can easily be cured if timely treatment is sought.

“There are many incurable diseases that are killing people as a result of lack of proper medical checkups. With this exercise, the beneficiaries will be able to understand how vital medical checkup is to living a good life,” he said.

Courtesy K.N.A