More than 6,000 residents of Butula Sub-county are expected to benefit from a free medical camp launched at Ikonzo Dispensary by an aspiring politician, Daniel Sitawa, in partnership with Maseno Mission Hospital.
The medical camp will run across the Sub County, with leaders and health workers citing poverty, inadequate medical supplies, and limited equipment as major barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
Speaking during the launch of the Butula parliamentary seat Mr Sitawa said the initiative aims to reach more than 1,000 residents in each of the six wards in the constituency. He noted that many families are unable to afford medical care due to widespread poverty.
“Our target is more than 1,000 people in each ward, making it more than 6,000 residents in this sub-county. And , the commonest diseases affecting many people here, especially those above 60 years, are high blood pressure, arthritis and diabetes,” said Sitawa.
He called on elected leaders to prioritize investment in the health sector, saying many patients are forced to seek treatment outside Busia County because local hospitals lack adequate medicines and equipment.
“There is a need to improve health services in our county by ensuring there is medicine and the required equipment. Our people are being referred to Bungoma and Eldoret despite having a Level Four hospital in Busia. Leaders at both the county and national levels should work together to strengthen healthcare, even though health is a devolved function,” he said.
Maseno Mission Hospital nurse Beatrice Mukunzi said the medical camp was organized to assist patients who are unable to access treatment because of financial and other challenges.
“We have come to offer solutions to our people so that they can live healthier lives. Bringing medical camps closer to communities will greatly improve access to healthcare and help reduce preventable deaths,” she said.
Mukunzi encouraged residents to undergo regular medical check-ups to enable early detection and treatment of illnesses.
“The number of people visiting hospitals for routine check-ups remains low. We are encouraging regular screening so people can understand their health status. We are treating minor ailments here, while patients with serious conditions will be referred to our mission hospital for free specialized treatment,” she added.
Ikonzo Dispensary nurse in charge Joice Mukoto said inadequate medicine and medical equipment continue to affect service delivery despite government efforts to improve healthcare.
“Although the government is making efforts to supply medicines, shortages remain a challenge in our hospitals. We also lack adequate equipment to manage different medical conditions. We appeal for more frequent medical camps so that people in the villages can continue accessing these essential services,” Mukoto said.
Residents who attended the camp welcomed the initiative, saying it had brought much-needed healthcare closer to their homes.
“We are happy that doctors have come to where we live. I have struggled with a stomach problem for a long time, and today I have received help from medical experts. We hope such camps will be held more often so that more people can access treatment and enjoy better health,” said a beneficiary, Pius Ohenga.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
