Thousands of Embu residents flocked Kanyuambora market in Mbeere North constituency for a free medical treatment camp, organized by a team of doctors from USA in partnership with former Senator Lenny Kivuti.
The annual event, hosted by COGIC Mission brought together 50 doctors and medical practitioners to offer the much needed services including clinical screening for all diseases, free medicines, dental checkup, eye checkup, orthopedic and pediatric services.
The free medical camp offered a vital lifeline to residents, majority of who are struggling with healthcare access due to issues bedeviling the Social Health Authority (SHA) including suspension of services by private hospitals over unpaid claims.
Kivuti said the annual camps are meant to alleviate the suffering of many residents, who can’t afford the cost of medication due to financial hardships.
“This has become a tradition for us in offering life-saving medical care to some of the neediest people in our county,” he said.
The former Senator said the program has over the years provided healthcare services to thousands of individuals, who would have otherwise gone without treatment due to lack of affordability.
At the same time, Kivuti dismissed SHA as a big letdown after failing to live up to the expectations of many Kenyans, who are yearning for accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
“If SHA was working, we could not be witnessing what is happening here today, where thousands have travelled from far and wide to get free healthcare services,” he remarked.
Dr. Valarie Daniels Carter from COGIC Mission said through the initiative, they have been able to touch the lives of many, who can hardly afford healthcare, especially in remote areas due to poverty, lack of the requisite infrastructure and healthcare workers.
“That is why we have brought together a big team of doctors, who have travelled all the way to bring the much needed services closer to the people,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Judith Muthoni said she was on course to full recovery from a heart condition after the mission assisted her to secure treatment at the Tenwek hospital in Bomet county.
by Samuel Waititu
