Teso South Member of Parliament Mary Emase has cautioned her constituents against self medication, strongly advocating for prompt medical attention in case of illness.
The MP cautioned against buying medicines over the counter without prescription and seeking treatment from unlicensed herbalists, noting that such practices could be detrimental, rather than solution to their health issues.
She observed delays in seeking treatment at licensed medical facilities often allow diseases to progress to advanced stages, making them difficult and expensive to treat.
“Licensed health facilities have qualified personnel and proper diagnostic equipment to identify illnesses early and provide appropriate treatment,” Emase said.
The legislator was speaking at Alupe Sub-County Hospital after launching a two-day free medical check-up camp at the facility. The two-day yesterday ends by close of business today.
The medical outreach programme is sponsored by the MP in partnership with Medical and Education Aid in Kenya (MEAK).
Emase noted that, prior to the ongoing camp, she and MEAK had conducted a six-day free eye checkup camp at the hospital in December 2025, during which more than 3,000 residents received treatment for various eye-related conditions. Over 200 cataract surgeries were performed free of charge.
She said the initiative had provided relief to many residents who were unable to access medical care due to financial constraints.
The MP urged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to enable them access healthcare services at public health facilities within the constituency.
Alupe Sub-County Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr. Loice Wahenga said the facility is currently offering services to patients registered under SHA and encouraged residents to enroll for ease of access to services at the facility.
By Moses Wekesa
