Over 136 patients in Nairobi have benefitted from free surgeries conducted by doctors from the US who arrived in Kenya courtesy of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
The 10 specialist American doctors, from an NGO called I HOPE International, in collaboration with their Kenyan counterparts, performed the first ever laparoscopic procedure at Mama Lucy Hospital.
This is a procedure where a special tool called an endoscope is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall and used for viewing or performing minor surgery in the abdominal or pelvic cavities.
Solomon Ultata, 32, a resident of Eastleigh, said he has suffered with gall bladder complications for long but finally he is set to put that to rest after a successful procedure.
“I don’t have anything to offer Sonko, but only God knows how he will reward him. I have really suffered for a long time. I thank the Governor for this,” he said.
Naomi Gathoni, a resident of Ruai estate is among the beneficiaries of the free medical camp.
“I want to thank Governor Sonko for initiating the free medical camp. I was unable to get treatment due to high costs of medication at private hospitals for goiter problems, but I’m now healing after being treated at Mama Lucy Hospital, stated Gathoni.
Mama Lucy Hospital medical superintendent Musa Mohamed said that with the start of laparoscopy operations will ease congestion at our health facility.
“Our main focus will be cholecystectomy (operation to remove gallbladder), hernia repair among other major operations,” he said.
County executive member for health Mohamed Dagane said the free camp will be a yearly event and will help improve services at our health facilities.
Sonko said his administration is determined to ensure all Nairobi residents get proper medical services.
“I’m in talks with relevant officials both from the government and other stakeholders to have those in informal settlement have NHIF covers,” Sonko said.
The medical camp began on April 28 and are conducted at Mama Lucy, Pumwani and Mbagathi hospitals.
The camp ended yesterday.
The camp was meant to help those who could not afford treatment.
