Hundreds of Murang’a residents are seeking treatment and drugs during the free medical camps following unavailability of money to pay for their medical bills in both public and private health facilities.
At Rurii grounds in Kiria ini market in Mathioya, the patients took the opportunity to benefit from a medical camp facilitated by Irungu Nyakera Foundation, where the residents recounted their tribulations after they are chased from the health facilities that are yet to shift to SHA from NHIF.
Julius Kamau, a resident of Kiambuthia village said it was traumatising as tens of patients are suffering in their homes owing to the untimely transition from NHIF to SHA, where many are sent away due to lack of money to pay for treatment and acquisition of drugs.
“ The government should revert to NHIF as SHA services remain unavailable to Kenyans,” said Kamau.
James Kamuri said the majority of Kenyans are seeking treatment in medical camps owing to the high cost of living.
Kamuri said last week he was at College Primary School in Makuyu where Delmonte Kenya Limited (DKL) organised a free medical treatment after NHIF cards were not accepted in many of the health facilities.
“Worst hit are patients in need of the dialysis treatment where the hospitals are demanding cash with a session costing Sh.9,500,” said Kamuri.
The organiser of the medical camp, Irungu Nyakera said that the growing number of patients in villages is overwhelming as the camp had received over 1,000 patients by 1pm.
Nyakera, who chairs KICC board of directors, asked the residents to seek treatment in the hospitals instead of suffering in their homes.
“ Kenyans should not lose hope or even die in their homes without seeking medical attention. The new health scheme is supposed to cater to all the patients who were benefiting from NHIF services,” said Nyakera.
Ms Lucy Ngunjiri said she was forced to trek from Mairo village in Othaya to benefit with the eye treatment.
“ A friend at Kiria ini market informed me of the free medical camp where specialists eye and dental were expected. I was lucky that I got the treatment and drugs service I was missing in the past one week owing to lack of money,” said Ngunjiri.
