A Nairobi-based private health facility has so far provided free cleft lip and palate surgeries to more 7,000 needy people in the last one year.
Speaking during a media briefing held at the Bela Risu Medical Centre, the facility’s chief executive, Dr Martin Kamau said a majority of the people who are afflicted by cleft lip and palate are mostly from a poor background.
“Those afflicted face stigma, ridicule and psychological and that is why we decided to provide free surgeries to such needy cases throughout the year,” adding that “Previously, those afflicted by the condition relied on charities (which provided ad-hoc services) in various counties,”.
Dr Kamau described Bela Risu medical centre as a pioneering institution dedicated to providing hope by offering free comprehensive cleft care services in East and Central Africa.
Over the past year, the facility has integrated a comprehensive treatment package that includes a highly specialised cleft lip and palate surgeries, orthodontics, speech therapy, psychotherapy and nutritional support.
“Through these efforts, we have managed to extend free comprehensive services to nearly 300 patients in critical need, aligning our shared commitment to expanding access to essential health-care services,” Dr Kamau added.
Cleft lip and palate is a congenital condition whereby a baby’s lip or mouth does not form properly in early pregnancy.
This condition can lead to a multitude of physical and psychological complexities such as feeding, hearing and speech difficulties as well as social isolation.
While early surgical intervention is critical to address—and sometimes even reverse—for many of the patients, surgical intervention is delayed due to lack of financial resources, awareness and access to qualified medical staff.
“Bela Risu will provide free life-saving surgeries to remote areas, ensuring that critical interventions are accessed by all who need them empowering them both functionally and socially,” Dr Kamau noted.
A Nairobi city county official, Mr Kepha Omanga commended the facility for providing free surgeries which aligns to Universal Health Coverage.
“We commend the efforts undertaken by this facility in restoring dignity to those afflicted by this condition,” he said adding,
“I would like to assure you that the county government will continue to support all your efforts by fostering collaborative efforts in the provision of quality health care services to the residents of Nairobi,” Mr. Omanga added.
Several beneficiaries of the free surgeries lauded the facility for restoring back their smiles.
The Centre is a fully equipped 30 bed hospital with two operating theatres and is located in Nairobi’s Ngara area.
