On a chilly morning with light rains, Uzima Medics, a group of medical professionals under Uzima Centre Church, launched a free medical awareness campaign that brought comprehensive healthcare services to the residents of Ruiru. To the pleasant surprise of the medics, residents braved the weather, arriving early to the camp, eager to receive medical care.
At the Registration Desk
Mrs. Margaret Munene, a counseling psychologist, welcomed attendees with a warm smile. She, along with her team, ensured the smooth operation of the registration desk, where patients received all the necessary information before moving to the triage. “I love helping my community,” Margaret shared, reflecting the spirit of service that permeated the camp.
Winnie Alila, from Plainsview Hospital, stationed at their tent, described the experience as emotional, especially when encountering patients who cannot afford healthcare.
Triage and Consultations
At the triage, Sylvia from the Radian Group of Hospitals took body weight and blood pressure readings. With a cheerful demeanor, she directed patients to the consultation area. Winnie Alila, from Plainsview Hospital, stationed at their tent, described the experience as emotional, especially when encountering patients who cannot afford healthcare. She also provided free deworming tablets and educated patients on healthcare topics like insurance, emphasizing the value of this initiative. On behalf of Plainsview Hospital and Radian Group of Hospitals, Winnie Alila and Loise Wamuyu respectively helped get a discount for patients who needed referrals for further treatment that was beyond what could be provided in a camp setting.
Consultation Rooms at Uzima Centre
Inside the Uzima Centre church hall, four consultation rooms were set up where doctors and clinical officers attended to patients. The facility was well organized, with a waiting lobby, laboratory, pharmacy, and procedure rooms. Despite the large turnout, the process was smooth, thanks to the efforts of nurses ensuring patients transitioned seamlessly from one stage to the next.
Charles Njoroge from the physiotherapy department explained the importance of proper posture and provided treatment for musculoskeletal issues
Specialized Clinics and Services
The medical camp offered specialized services, including psychological, dental, nutrition, and orthopedic clinics. WelTek provided educational sessions on Body Mass Index (BMI) and body weight. In the orthopedic clinic, Charles Njoroge from the physiotherapy department explained the importance of proper posture and provided treatment for musculoskeletal issues, especially for corporate workers and casual laborers who are often vulnerable to such conditions.
Outreach and Emergency Support
Maxwell Waswa and his team helped spread awareness using word of mouth, flyers, and brochures, ensuring that as many residents as possible benefited from the event. Meanwhile, Jesse Kay Hospital had its ambulance team on standby, ready to handle any emergencies. Their basic life support ambulance, in line with camp regulations, was prepared to ensure patients could receive quick emergency care and transportation to the nearest health facility if needed.
Impact on the Community
One patient, with calcium deficiency, expressed relief after receiving medication, which she would otherwise not have been able to afford. Many of the attendees, arriving as early as 7:00 am, reiterated the same sentiment: “Healthcare in Kenya is expensive.”
Dr. Fridah Wachira: Force Behind the Camp
Dr. Fridah Wachira, acting chairperson of Uzima Medics, was the driving force behind the camp’s success. She emphasized the need to “resuscitate” healthcare in Kenya, shedding light on the financial burden faced by patients and the delays in accessing medical care in public and private facilities. The vision for the camp was to leverage the skills of medical practitioners within the church to bridge this gap. Dr. Wachira believes in the harmony of faith and science, encouraging patients to seek medical help while holding onto their faith.
Acknowledgments
The success of the medical camp would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of Uzima medical team and the support from sponsors and partners, including:
- Uzima Centre Church
- Plainview Hospital
- Josma Children Hospital
- Brain, Spine and Rehabilitation (BSR) Hospital
- Jesse Kay Hospital
- Dawa Pharmaceuticals
- Trimurti Healthcare
- Ace Pharmaceuticals
- BeLEA Pharmacy Ltd
- MSN Pharmaceuticals
- Marian Medical and Dental Center
- Convo Africa
The event was a remarkable example of community collaboration, ensuring residents of Ruiru had access to much-needed healthcare services.
