Healthcare Meets Hope: Chepsaita Free Medical Camp Uplifts Community Ahead of Cross Country Event

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“I had given up on walking without pain, but the doctors gave me hope today,”Elizabeth Chemutai, a 67-year-old resident

PS Mary Muthoni engages with residents at the Chepsaita medical camp, emphasizing the importance of SHIF enrollment and reaffirming the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all/James Gitaka

Over 5,000 residents of Chepsaita converged at Chepkemel Primary School today for a five day   free medical camp that brought essential healthcare services to the community. The camp offered diagnosis and treatment for various ailments, including arthritis, respiratory issues, and eye complications. Organized as part of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024, the event highlighted this year’s theme, “Run for Education,” aimed at supporting  vulnerable students in accessing quality education.

Elizabeth Chemutai, a 67-year-old resident, found relief after receiving treatment for chronic arthritis. “I had given up on walking without pain, but the doctors gave me hope today,” she shared. Similarly, Peter Kiprono, a 34-year-old farmer, was fitted with eyeglasses, restoring his ability to see clearly. “This will change my life and help me work better on the farm,” he remarked.

The event was graced by several leaders, including  Nandi County Woman Representative Hon. Cynthia Muge and Mary Muthoni, Public health and Professional Standards Permanent Secretary, who called on Kenyans to register in large numbers for the  Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). “Healthcare is an investment in your future. Let us all ensure we are part of this transformative initiative,” she urged.

A resident undergoing a health checkup at the Chepsaita Medical Camp

Uasin Gishu County’s CECM for Health, alongside various chief officers, was also in attendance, underscoring the importance of intergovernmental collaboration in improving healthcare delivery. Public health and Professional Standards Permanent Secretary , Mary Muthoni, assured residents that government health programs, such as the  Linda Mama initiative, would continue supporting vulnerable populations. “Since its launch in June 2013 by former administration, Linda Mama has helped alleviate the financial burden of maternal care. We remain committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring no woman suffers due to lack of access to quality care,” she emphasized.

The medical camp extended beyond healthcare, providing residents with other essential services, such as registration for National Identity Cards and passports, bringing government services closer to the people. The Permanent Secretary lauded the  Safaricom Foundation for investing millions of shillings into upgrading the Chepkemel Dispensary, a move that will enhance local healthcare. Farouk Kibet, senior aide to President William Ruto, pledged further government support for the facility. “Plans are underway to upgrade the dispensary to a level that can adequately serve the hundreds of residents who currently travel long distances to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret,” Kibet said.

A resident participates in a health checkup at the Chepsaita Medical Camp

Healthcare officers noted that the turnout far exceeded their expectations, underscoring the community’s pressing need for accessible healthcare services. “The response has been overwhelming, and it shows the impact of bringing services directly to the people,” a health officer commented.

As the countdown to the Great Chepsaita Cross Country begins, the event has already proven to be more than an athletic showcase. It has become a unifying platform for health, education, and community development, demonstrating the transformative power of partnerships and proactive leadership in improving lives.

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