Hundreds of residents of semi-arid Makima Ward residents in Mbeere South Constituency in Embu County have benefited from a free medical camp organized by the Lions Clubs Embu.
The camp held on Monday provided a critical relief to residents in the area where access to healthcare services remains a major challenge due to infrastructure and economic hardships.
The camp brought together a team of doctors and medical professionals to offer much needed services including clinical screening for all diseases, free medicines, dental and eye checkups, orthopedic and pediatric services.
According to President of Lions Club Embu, Makara Kamotho, the camp was meant to alleviate the suffering of the residents by bringing specialized medical services close home and for free.
“We came here to offer life-saving medical care to some of the neediest people in our county,” he said.
He said the program they undertake annually has over the years provided healthcare services to thousands of individuals who would otherwise go without due to unaffordability and accessibility.
Makara expressed concern that many people continue to suffer from various illnesses at home instead of seeking medical attention, warning that delaying treatment could expose them to more serious health complications.
He encouraged residents to make regular hospital visits and embrace preventive healthcare rather than waiting until their conditions deteriorate before seeking medical assistance.
Lead Medic, Dr Josephine Kibaru, said several residents were diagnosed with conditions they had not previously suspected, including high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels.
She noted that the findings highlighted the importance of regular medical check-ups, explaining that some lifestyle diseases can develop silently without obvious symptoms until they reach advanced stages.
Dr Kibaru urged residents to make routine hospital visits and undergo medical screening to enable early detection and management of diseases before they become life-threatening.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Lions Club of Embu for bringing free medical services closer to their homes, saying the initiative had helped them understand their health status and access services they might otherwise have struggled to afford.
By Samuel Waititu
