Kenya Airports Authority launches free medical camp in Mwea

Kerugoya,

Saturday, October 28, 2023

KNA by David Wandeto

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) yesterday launched a two-day free Medical Camp at Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital in Mwea, Kirinyaga County.

The initiative, conducted in collaboration with Mater Misericordiae Hospital and the Kirinyaga County Government, underscores KAA’s steadfast commitment to community welfare and its dedication to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services nationwide.

The medical camp which aims to serve over 3000 patients from Kirinyaga County and its environs will offer a wide range of essential healthcare services, including free consultations, diagnoses, minor surgeries, and medications.

Comprehensive healthcare services addressing dental problems, breast cancer, pneumonia, typhoid, malaria, and HIV/AIDS counseling and testing will also be provided.

Henry Ogoye, the Acting Managing Director of KAA, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration saying by extending assistance to individuals facing various health challenges, KAA aimed at significantly enhancing the overall well-being of the region.

“We are delighted to partner with Mater Hospital and the County Government to bring this free Medical Camp to Kirinyaga County. Health is a fundamental human right, and we are committed to supporting the government’s vision of universal health coverage for every Kenyan,” he said.

Mwea Constituency MP Mary Maingi said she would continue working closely with Governor Anne Waiguru to ensure smooth implementation of development projects.

Governor Anne Waiguru said Kirinyaga County has emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The County Government is committed to improving the wellbeing of our people by ensuring that all citizens have access to high-quality health services where they need them, when they need them, and at a cost they can afford.”

“To maximize available opportunities for disease prevention, treatment, and care, we are collaborating with the National Government to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC), which is the heart of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Currently, we have 1222 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who we will put on payroll to provide health services directly within communities and households,” she added.

Governor Waiguru who is also the chair of Council of governors (COG) revealed that the county Government would advertise 50 positions of various cadres of medics to fill gaps that have been created by elevation and expansion of various health facilities.

She said elevation of Kerugoya County Referral Hospital to a Level Five facility, construction and consequent elevation of Kimbimbi and Kianyaga Hospital from Level 3 to 4 required additional medical personnel. The county has also constructed an additional 20 dispensaries and health centres, nine of which have been operationalized, she added.

The medical camp brings together a team made up of surgeons, theatre nurses, anesthetists, urologists, pediatric and adult cardiologists, gynecologists, laboratory technicians, general physicians, and nurses who will offer diagnostics, treatments, and surgeries where needed. Among these medics are 25 doctors from Kirinyaga County.