Rotary Club Steps Up Healthcare Support Amid Donor Funding Cuts
The camp provided a wide range of medical services, including general health checkups, diabetes and hypertension screening, cancer screening, eye care, dental services, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) consultations, and minor surgeries
Patients receive medical care at the two-day free medical camp in Kaptuli, where over 800 residents benefited from essential health services.
More than 800 residents of Kaptuli in Moiben SubCounty,UasinGishu , received free medical care during a two-day medical camp held at Sergoit Primary School. The initiative, organized by the Rotary Club of Ongata Rongai East in partnership with Lifecare, aimed to bridge the healthcare gap by providing early diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care.
The medical camp was a deeply personal initiative for Sheila Murgor, President of the Rotary Club of Ongata Rongai East, who dedicated the event to her late mother, a beloved community figure known for her commitment to helping others.
“This camp is in honor of my late mother, who dedicated her life to serving this community. Bringing healthcare services to the people she cared about is our way of keeping her legacy alive,” Murgor said. “Early diagnosis is critical in preventing severe health issues, and we want to ensure that people receive the care they need before conditions become life-threatening.”
The camp provided a wide range of medical services, including general health checkups, diabetes and hypertension screening, cancer screening, eye care, dental services, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) consultations, and minor surgeries. Patients also received prescription medication where necessary, and some were referred to local hospitals for further medical attention.
Murgor highlighted the importance of early disease detection, particularly for chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, which often go unnoticed until complications arise.
“Many people were unaware they had underlying conditions. Now, with early detection, they can receive the necessary treatment and improve their quality of life,” she noted.
Rotary Club Steps Up as U.S. Cuts Donor Funding
The Rotary Club announced plans to expand its support for community healthcare following a decision by the U.S. government to cut donor funding.
“Access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege but a right. With these donor funding cuts, vulnerable communities are at greater risk,” Murgor said. “Rotary is stepping up to bridge this gap and ensure that critical medical services remain available to those who need them most.”
Strong Community Participation and Impact
The event saw an overwhelming turnout, with local residents eager to take advantage of the free medical services.
Joshua Maritim, a member of the Rotary Club of Eldoret, emphasized the impact of such initiatives on underserved communities.
“The demand for medical care in rural areas is huge. Beyond providing treatment, we also helped enroll several residents in the SHA insurance program, ensuring they can continue accessing healthcare long after the camp is over,” Maritim said. “We hope to make this an annual event working closely with the Government and other partners in the health sector .”
Dr. Joe Kamau, District Governor of Rotary District 9212, which covers Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Eritrea, praised the dedication of medical professionals and volunteers who made the event a success.
“Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, all committed to service above self. This medical camp is a prime example of how we come together to address pressing healthcare needs,” Dr. Kamau said. “For many here, these free services are a lifeline.”
Residents Express Gratitude
Many beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the medical services they received.
Moris Kimeli, who benefited from free eye care, was relieved to have received prescription glasses.
“I had trouble with my vision for a long time, and today, I received treatment and new spectacles at no cost. This is truly a blessing,” he said.
Another resident, Baranabas Kimutai, was grateful for the quality of care provided by the medical professionals.
“The doctors were very thorough, and I feel much better after my treatment. This initiative is a great gift to our community,” Kimutai said.
Beyond Treatment: Educating the Community on Preventive Care
In addition to offering medical care, the camp also focused on health education through workshops on disease prevention, proper nutrition, and the importance of regular medical checkups. By equipping residents with knowledge on preventive healthcare, organizers hope to reduce the prevalence of preventable diseases in the community.
Murgor reaffirmed the Rotary Club’s commitment to making the initiative an annual event to continue serving the healthcare needs of the community.
“This is just the beginning. Our partnership with Lifecare has been instrumental, and we are determined to expand this initiative so that more people can benefit from free, high-quality healthcare in the years to come,” she said.
A Testament to Compassion and Community Power
The success of the Kaptuli Medical Camp highlights the transformative impact of collective action. In the face of shrinking donor funding, Rotary Club Ongata Rongai East and Lifecare have stepped up to ensure that vulnerable communities continue receiving essential medical services.
With continued partnerships, outreach, and support, Rotary and its collaborators are paving the way for a healthier and more empowered society, proving that even small acts of compassion can make a world of difference.
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