- Mombasa county's free medical camp treated more than 7,500 outpatients at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital under the Mwezi Wa Baba initiative
- Over 750 admitted patients were discharged without paying a single shilling, with the county also supporting residents who cannot afford SHA contributions
- The programme coincided with the first anniversary of Raila Odinga's death, with 447 health workers newly employed to strengthen service delivery
Nancy Odindo is a current affairs writer at Tuko.co.ke (joined in 2023). She has one year of experience in print and more than five years in digital media.
More than 7,500 patients received free outpatient treatment at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa as part of the county government's "Mwezi Wa Baba" free medical camp, with the programme running alongside preparations marking the first anniversary of the passing of the former opposition leader Raila Odinga on October 15.
Source: Original
Speaking on Monday, October 14, Acting CEO Dr Mohamed Hanif said the county government's efforts extended beyond medical treatment, with support also being extended to vulnerable residents unable to afford Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions.
"We are easing the burden for families," Dr Hanif said, reaffirming the county's commitment to universal health coverage.
Patients discharged without paying
Among the most significant outcomes of the camp, over 750 admitted patients left the facility without settling any bills. Peter Mwango, who had been hospitalised during the period, described the relief he felt upon discharge.
"I was discharged without paying a bill. This programme has lifted the heavy burden of medical costs for my family. We walk home happy," Mwango said.
Fellow beneficiary Gideon Hare welcomed the initiative but called on Governor Abdulswamad Nassir's administration to extend the programme beyond its one-month duration so that more families across the county could benefit.
New health workers boost Coast General
The camp also marked a significant boost in staffing, with 447 health workers newly employed by the county, 116 of whom were posted to Coast General Hospital alone.
Source: Original
Among the recruits is 26-year-old support staff member Kibwana Said, who described the position as a life-changing opportunity to serve his own community.
Nurse Sharlet Kingaro, also newly posted to the referral hospital, echoed that sentiment. "Working at Coast General has restored my hope and purpose as a health worker to save lives," she said.
The county has urged all Mombasa residents to register with the SHA to continue accessing affordable healthcare under the Mwezi Wa Baba initiative beyond the camp period.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Authors:
Tags:
Hot: