More than 1,000 residents of Teso North and Teso South sub-counties have benefited from a full one-day medical camp at Isegeretoto Hospital in Malaba, with health workers raising concern over the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the community.
The residents received medical consultations, laboratory tests, treatment, and medicines, alongside dental care and eye health examinations and treatment.
The hospital also partnered with the county government to provide free cervical and breast cancer screening during the camp.
Isegeretoto Hospital Director, Job Masai, said some of the conditions identified during the exercise required further medical assessment, with patients referred to Busia County Referral Hospital for specialized care.
He said the findings highlighted the need for residents to seek medical attention before illnesses advance and become more difficult and costly to manage.
Masai said the hospital organised the medical camp as part of its efforts to reach residents who may not seek medical attention until they develop serious health problems.
“The issue of high blood pressure, among other health conditions, has now become a common problem in the community, and we as a facility take pride in ensuring that people come to the facility earlier as soon as they feel unwell,” he said.
He urged residents to always undergo routine medical check-ups, particularly for conditions that may not show obvious symptoms in their early stages.
Beryl Ogutu, a nurse at Teso North Sub-County Hospital, said at least 30 women underwent cervical cancer screening during the camp, while others were screened for breast cancer, with some undergoing ultrasound examinations and others referred to Busia County Referral Hospital for further assessment, including mammography.
However, she noted that fear, discomfort, and embarrassment were still discouraging some women from undergoing cervical cancer screening, calling for continued community sensitization to address the concerns and encourage women to seek early screening.
“During such medical camps, we are able to offer treatment and also enlighten the community about prevention measures against diseases, better living practices, and health-seeking behaviour,” she said.
By Moses Wekesa
