Hundreds of patients from Homa Bay and neighbouring counties have benefited from a week-long surgical camp at the Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital (HBTRH), an initiative aimed at improving access to specialised healthcare services in the region.
The camp, which ran from October 27 until November 2, attracted patients from as far as Kisumu and Migori counties.
Dr Kevin Osuri, the Chief Officer for Medical Services in Homa Bay County said the camp brought together a team of specialists and sub-specialists who successfully conducted numerous surgical procedures and diagnostic tests.
“We’ve had a very successful surgical camp. Our team comprises highly trained specialists who have gone beyond their normal areas of expertise. Several surgeries have been carried out successfully alongside advanced diagnostic examinations,” said Osuri.
During the camp, the hospital also commissioned new high-tech equipment, including Laparoscopy, Endoscopy Tower, and Echocardiographic machines which are expected to enhance the facility’s capacity to undertake minimally invasive (keyhole) surgeries.
“These machines are a game-changer for us. They allow faster, safer, and more cost-effective treatment, reducing hospital stays and recovery times. We have managed to clear a huge backlog of surgeries, with some patients who were scheduled for next year already treated,” the chief officer added.
The camp was organised through partnerships with the Surgical Society of Kenya, the Society for the Blind, and several volunteer surgeons, medical officers, and nurses. All services during the camp were offered free of charge.
Residents from across the region turned up in large numbers to benefit from multiple surgical and medical services that would otherwise have been unaffordable to them.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga praised the initiative and said the installation of the new machines would strengthen the hospital’s ability to manage complex medical and surgical procedures.
“Our people can now access critical healthcare services at reduced costs, eliminating the need to travel long distances for essential treatments,” Governor Wanga said.
She noted that since she assumed office, the facility has been upgraded from a Level Four to a Level Five hospital, a milestone that requires consistent improvements in service quality.
“Previously, we used to refer patients to Kisumu and other counties for procedures like endoscopy. With the new equipment, these services will now be available right here in Homa Bay,” she added.
Governor Wanga further stated that the hospital’s pharmacy is fully stocked, adding that her administration will continue investing in advanced medical equipment under the National Equipment Support Programme (NESP).
She also highlighted ongoing outreach programmes, such as a fistula camp at Oyugis level four facility, where women are receiving free corrective surgeries and care, urging women with such issues to go and receive the much-needed help at the facility.
“We are making major strides in strengthening healthcare delivery. The hospital now offers CT scans, MRI, dialysis, and fully operational eye unit services, with an increased number of operating theatres,” she said.
Governor Wanga reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare access and ensuring that Homa Bay residents receive quality, affordable treatment within the county.
By Sitna Omar
