KMTC Hosts Transformative Medical Camp in Homa Bay
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), in partnership with the Homa Bay County Government and various non-governmental organizations, organized a free medical camp that brought much-needed healthcare services to the people of Homa Bay and Rachuonyo. The medical camp, which attracted over 1,000 clients, offered critical services such as general health check-ups, cancer screenings, dental care, eye surgeries, and health education.
The primary objective of the camp was to improve access to healthcare in Homa Bay, a region known for its high prevalence of malaria, sickle cell anaemia, among other diseases. Organized as part of KMTC’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts and coinciding with Customer Service Week and World Sight Day, the event aimed to provide essential medical services while promoting health education and awareness among the local population. A wide range of services were offered, including cancer screening, dental care, eye check-ups, and cataract surgeries. Additionally, KMTC students and faculty collaborated with local healthcare workers to provide care, learning hands-on clinical skills in the process.
The camp was supported by key partners, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Fred Hollows Foundation, and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Kenya). Homa Bay County government officials and the College were instrumental in mobilizing resources and support for the medical camp.
KMTC CEO, Dr. Kelly Oluoch, expressed gratitude for the strong partnerships that made the event possible, emphasizing the importance of preventive healthcare. “In this medical camp, we aim to educate the community on essential health matters, from proper sanitation to nutrition, while offering specialized services like cancer screenings and cataract surgeries. This is part of our larger mission to improve healthcare access for all,” he said.
Dr. Oluoch highlighted the role of the camp in advancing KMTC’s training mission. “Our students have gained valuable experience by working alongside seasoned medical professionals, and this reinforces our commitment to community service as part of their learning,” he added.
Additionally, Dr. Oluoch urged participants to enroll to the Social Health Authority which has replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). He noted that this initiative will significantly advance Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals by making healthcare more affordable, accessible, and high-quality for all citizens.
Speaking during the activity, the Homa Bay County Medical Outreach Coordinator Ms. Molly Ochar, thanked the College for the partnership and the free medical camp. “We are proud to work alongside KMTC to improve the health of our people,” she said. “Such initiatives go a long way in addressing the healthcare challenges faced by our communities.”
The Deputy Principal Administration & Finance in Nairobi Campus Ms. Caroline Oyugi appreciated the College Management for the support and the County Government of Homabay for the great partnership in promoting community health services for the public.
Over 1,078 clients received treatment during the three-day medical camp. Significant milestones were achieved, including 26 cataract surgeries that restored sight and the distribution of 300 pairs of eyeglasses to individuals in need. Moreover, three new cases of hypertension were detected and treated immediately, while sickle cell screening identified three positive cases, ensuring that affected individuals could access follow-up care.
The camp’s emphasis on preventive care led to cancer screenings, with one cervical cancer case detected, underscoring the importance of early intervention. The medical camp not only addressed current health issues but also empowered the community with knowledge, promoting healthier lifestyles.
The medical camp was held form 8th – 10th October, 2024.
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