Vihiga County has strengthened its efforts to improve access to specialized healthcare services following the arrival of a team of 19 medical professionals from Operation International who will conduct a free Obstetrics and Gynaecology Surgical Camp at the Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The medical mission, led by Operation International President Diana Friend, was officially received by Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo, who appreciated the continued partnership between the County Government and the international medical organization in enhancing access to quality and affordable healthcare for residents.
The week-long surgical camp will offer a wide range of specialized obstetric and gynecological procedures at no cost to patients and the team is expected to perform myomectomy, cystectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, fistula repair and tubal ligation, among other life-changing surgeries that would ordinarily cost patients thousands of shillings in healthcare facilities.
Governor Ottichilo said that the collaboration marks the third consecutive year that Vihiga County has partnered with Operation International, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the county’s commitment to improving maternal and reproductive healthcare through strategic partnerships with international medical experts.
He encouraged residents in need of specialized obstetric and gynecological care to take advantage of the free surgical camp, noting that the initiative would ease the financial burden on many families while improving health outcomes for women across the county.
“This partnership continues to bring hope to many residents who would otherwise be unable to afford these specialized procedures. I urge those who require these services to visit the Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital and benefit from this opportunity,” said the Governor.
Dr. Ottichilo observed that the collaboration has continued to deliver tangible benefits to residents by bringing specialized medical expertise closer to the people, thereby reducing the need for patients to seek treatment in distant referral hospitals and noted that such partnerships complement the county government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve the quality of services offered in public health facilities.
Beyond the free surgeries, this year’s medical mission places significant emphasis on capacity building through skills transfer, training and surgical knowledge exchange between the visiting specialists and local healthcare workers.
The Governor said the knowledge-sharing component of the programme is expected to leave a lasting impact by equipping local doctors, nurses and theatre personnel with advanced skills in specialized obstetric and gynecological procedures and noted that the exchange of expertise will contribute to improved patient care long after the visiting team has concluded its mission.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the capacity of medical personnel at the Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital by exposing them to modern surgical techniques, international best practices and innovative approaches to women’s healthcare, thereby ensuring sustainable improvement in service delivery.
Governor Ottichilo further said the County Government is making significant progress in transforming the Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital into a Centre of Excellence capable of providing advanced specialized healthcare services not only to residents of Vihiga but also to patients from neighbouring counties.
He revealed that the County Department of Health Services is developing a structured framework for collaboration with Operation International aimed at establishing a long-term partnership that will extend beyond annual medical camps.
According to the Governor, the proposed collaboration will include the establishment of a research centre and a telemedicine centre to support specialized healthcare, promote medical research and facilitate continuous knowledge exchange between local and international health experts.
He explained that the telemedicine centre will enable local healthcare providers to consult with specialists from different parts of the world in real time, enhancing diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care for patients with complex medical conditions and added that the research centre will support innovation, evidence-based medical practice and continuous professional development for healthcare workers.
Ottichilo confirmed that the County Government remains committed to investing in modern medical equipment, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and creating partnerships that improve access to quality healthcare services for all residents.
The partnership is expected to enhance access to quality specialist services while reducing the need for patients to seek treatment outside the county and it is also anticipated to reduce waiting times for patients requiring specialized obstetric and gynecological surgeries while easing pressure on national referral hospitals.
Healthcare stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, noting that international medical collaborations play a critical role in bridging gaps in specialized healthcare, promoting professional development and expanding access to life-saving treatment for vulnerable populations.
The annual medical mission highlights the County Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems through strategic partnerships that improve service delivery, build local medical capacity and expand access to affordable specialized treatment for the people of Vihiga County.
By Quinter Vunyoli
