As the countrywide doctors’ strike persists, Kenyans are desperately taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them to access medical services at low or no costs.
This was witnessed at Zetech University’s Mang’u campus in Witeithie Ward, Juja Sub-county where locals flocked the institution during a free eye medical clinic.
The clinic, organised by the University in partnership with the PCEA Kikuyu Hospital, Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and the Kiambu County Government was intended to serve some 300 patients but over 1000 locals turned up for the clinic.
Juja Sub-county Public Health Officer Anne Mwangi noted that locals were screened and given medication as well as assistive devices like eye glasses. She pointed out that most of the patients had been earlier identified by Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in their homes and referred to the clinic.
“The current medics strike has left many Kenyans struggling to access medical services and we thank the University for this initiative. We sent our CHPs to the villages to scout for patients requiring eye check-ups and we were expecting about 300 patients but we are shocked that over 1000 residents have turned up,” Mwangi said.
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She averred that most locals presented themselves with eye cataracts, short-sighted and others were suffering from allergies.
Mwangi also cautioned the locals and especially the youth from heavy indulgence in alcohol and substances saying that the vices are among the causes of eye problems.
“Consumption of illicit brews as well as drugs has been a major cause of eye problems and treating these problems is usually time and money-consuming. We appeal to our people to regulate or completely shun alcoholism,” she said.
She also called on Kenyan youths to cautiously use the electronic devices including mobile phones and laptops, especially during this digital era where most work is being done online, saying that the light devices puts the health of their eyes at risk.
“We understand that most of our youths are working online or using digital platforms to earn a living. However, they must be very cautious because excessive and uncontrolled use of these digital devices can harm their eyes. It’s advisable to usually take a break after a certain period of using these devices,” Mwangi said.
Zetech University Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Alice Njuguna pleaded with the striking doctors to reason out with the government and find a lasting solution to the standoff saying that Kenyans are suffering.
She noted that a high percentage of Kenyans cannot afford to seek services in private medical facilities.
“We’ve seen and witnessed members of the community suffering because they cannot access the healthcare services owing to the ongoing strike. We plead with our government to swiftly take action and dialogue with the doctors to bring the strike to an end,” she said.
The DVC also hailed the partnership between Zetech, the Kiambu County Government, Kikuyu PCEA Hospital and CBM as a transformative one adding that the Varsity will continue holding similar clinics across Juja and Ruiru constituencies.
“This collaborative effort exemplifies the university’s dedication to leveraging partnerships for the greater good. By fostering health awareness and providing tangible services, Zetech University and partners envision a healthier, more prosperous future for all,” she said.
Locals who benefitted with the clinic hailed the institutions involved for the kind gesture noting that they have been facing an uphill task in accessing the services especially at this time when doctors have downed their tools.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Jane Wanjiku, a CHP in Witeithie ward who noted that poor locals are suffering in their homes.
By Kamau Njoroge
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