By John Kariuki
The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing quality healthcare directly to communities following the successful Chepsaita Free Medical Camp held at Chepkemel Primary School in Turbo Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County. The camp, which drew hundreds of residents from Chepsaita and neighbouring areas, provided vital services ranging from early diagnosis and treatment to referrals and health education.
Representing the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, the Director of Curative and Nursing Services, Dr Andrew Toro, underscored the importance of community medical camps in bridging gaps in access to healthcare. He noted that the government is pleased to support such initiatives and will continue working with partners to expand essential services across the region and the country.
Dr Toro assured residents that patients requiring specialised attention would be referred to appropriate hospitals to ensure timely care. He highlighted the Ministry’s investment in mental health support, particularly in response to rising cases of drug and substance abuse among young people. Counselling and community health education, he stressed, remain priority interventions to protect families and support those affected.
He further encouraged residents to register under the Social Health Authority (SHA), explaining that the programme shields households from high out-of-pocket costs and guarantees access to care for all Kenyans. The SHA, he said, is a cornerstone of the government’s plan to ensure equitable healthcare coverage nationwide.
Dr Toro also commended the recent groundbreaking of the 2,000-bed state-of-the-art Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) facility in Uasin Gishu, describing it as a transformative investment that will elevate healthcare delivery and position the region as a leading centre of excellence.
On maternal health, he raised concern over pregnancy-related complications and assured the community that the Ministry is working closely with county governments to strengthen antenatal services and promote safe deliveries to protect mothers and newborns.
Thanking residents for their strong turnout, Dr Toro reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to scaling up similar medical outreach programmes nationwide to ensure equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare.
The event was attended by the Patron of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run, Mr Farouk Kibet, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, senior Ministry of Health officials, local leaders, and residents from Chepsaita and neighbouring communities. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between government, local leadership, and communities in advancing healthcare access.