Health brought closer

By Monica Soila

The international biomedical laboratory day was marked globally on April 15, 2014. 

It is in this light that a free medical camp was organized by the Kenyatta National Hospital; which was held at Isinya Primary School grounds.

 

Dr.Ashford Parantai from KNH spearheaded the medical camp. He hosted a team of fifteen doctors and other personnel to Isinya whereby he provided food and drinks and also covered part of the logistics.

“This is one of my ways of giving back to my community”, said Dr.Parantai an old boy of Isinya Primary School.

The turnout was somewhat good as many people from the interior used pick-ups to get to the venue. Local leaders including County health minister were also present to support the young man’s noble initiative.

“As you have witnessed today, we have mostly done cancer screening because it’s hard to find a Maasai going to hospital for such screenings. This is probably because they don’t even know about it, so it was also an opportunity to create awareness on such issues”, added Dr.Parantai

 

bus ferrying KNH staff to Isinya Pri. School

Isinya sub-county has been quite lucky in the recently days as a similar camp was held last month at the Isinya health center by the Safaricom foundation. It has had advantages and disadvantages to many; so to speak. Some people left the camp happy as they found out they were as healthy as can be, while others were shocked to discover that they had been seriously ill without even their knowledge.

Dr. Ashford Parantai

“I have known only today that am almost dying, they have referred me to Kenyatta National Hospital for surgery soonest tomorrow”, said Nancy Njeri who had been experiencing savere pains in her belly after she had her second born child. She also alleges that the pain is because she was manhandled by the doctors while delivering, therefore developing serious complications.

“Organizing a camp like this one can be very expensive, so the next one would be probably after three months in a different location”, said Dr.Parantai.

Even with challenges of life, it is clear that better times lies ahead for the residents of Isinya, and it is an excellent idea that both national and county governments embrace such life changing projects.