Two separate free medical checkups in a row! A benefit for Isinya residents

By Collins Shahonya.

Isinya residents got a boost this year after free medical services were brought to their area, the first one being done in March; Safaricom foundation was the main sponsor. And a month later, Kenyatta National Hospital, which is based in Nairobi, spearheaded the second edition of the free medical camp at Isinya primary school grounds on Tuesday the 15^th of April 2014.

Unlike the first free medical camp that was attended by thousands of people, from all parts of Kajiado County, KNH’s medical camp had minimal turn out that could be attributed to un-preparedness and poor advertising, which plays a pivot role in sensitizing people for such events.

Nevertheless, patients were up running to get the free medical services that ranged from Immunization for young children below the age of 5. Dental check up and diagnosis was also a free service offered to the community.

Mrs. Doreen Murura, who is a dentist at Kenyatta National Hospital, explained categorically the need of Isinya residents to stop the habit of chewing everything they come across. She taught the patients who lined up for the diagnosis on how to floss daily and even take care of their teeth.

time with the doctor

Miss. Lois Mutua, who was in charge of the dental lab, took the patients on different ways of replacing their teeth in case one or all of them were uprooted. Ranging from partial dentures, orthodontic appliances and complete dentures, Lois urged the patients to never give up on retaining their smiles due to lack of teeth in their mouth.

It was somehow shocking after the K24 crew, which were present to cover the day’s events, saw a young girl being injected the local injection rather known as Anesthesia for her tooth to be uprooted. The mother insisted that her girl was fond of sweet things, which are the main course of the tooth decay. Same sentiments were confirmed by the chief dentist.

HIV testing, lab services and nutrition were the other free services evident at the venue. Going green and eating a lot of green vegetables ranging from Broccolis, Sukuma wiki, cabbages and drinking lots of fresh fruit juices and water were the alternative in avoiding lot of complications in our bodies.

A young girl is administered with anaesthesia before tooth uprooting

A quick analysis revealed that a very minimal number of patients kept in mind the 8 glasses per day rule. The check up was under tight security with the presence of administration police sourced from Isinya police station, assistant chief Mr. Mpaashe and the area OCPD and OCS.

Kenyatta National Hospital targeted a minimum of 500 people for the free check up and by 3pm individuals were turned away, the same way the first check up was at Isinya Health centre. 

Despite the bad end, individuals who came early for the check up confirmed having been diagnosed and treated. This was such an advantage for the local leadership in harnessing a culture of having their community members embrace spontaneous check ups for the betterment of their health.