Residents of Lulagala and neighbouring communities in Mityana District received free medical services during a Rotary Club outreach aimed at improving access to healthcare and encouraging early detection of diseases.
Residents of Lulagala Village and neighbouring communities in Mityana District have benefited from free medical services during a one-day health camp organised by the Rotary Club of Mityana at Lulagala Health Centre III.
The outreach aimed to bring healthcare closer to residents who may struggle to meet medical costs and transport expenses, while encouraging people to seek medical attention before illnesses become severe.
Carolyn Taylor, the Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 9213, said the initiative was intended to reduce financial barriers that prevent some community members from accessing healthcare.
“We organised this health camp to bring medical services closer to the people, especially those who face challenges accessing healthcare because of transport costs and other financial difficulties. We want residents to receive medical attention without the additional financial burden that often prevents them from seeking treatment,” Taylor said.
She said community outreach programmes could encourage residents to prioritise their health and seek medical attention early rather than waiting until their conditions deteriorate.
“Through such community outreach programmes, we hope to encourage more people to prioritise their health, seek medical attention early and benefit from the services provided by health professionals,” she added.
Medical personnel at the camp also raised concern about people living with health conditions without knowing their status, particularly those with non-communicable diseases.
Dr Juma Muluya of Representative Health Uganda said some people avoid health facilities for fear of discovering that they have an illness, while others delay seeking care because of financial difficulties or limited awareness of the importance of routine medical examinations.
“Some people are living with different illnesses without knowing their health status, particularly those suffering from non-communicable diseases. This is why regular medical check-ups are important in helping people understand their health conditions,” Muluya said.
He emphasised that routine examinations can help identify health complications early and enable patients to receive appropriate care.
Health workers noted that some non-communicable diseases may not produce obvious symptoms in their early stages, making screening and regular check-ups important.
They encouraged residents to overcome the fear of knowing their health status, explaining that early diagnosis can help people manage illnesses and reduce the risk of complications.
Angela Nakavuma, the in-charge of Lulagala Health Centre III, urged community members to seek professional medical advice whenever they experience unusual symptoms rather than relying solely on self-medication.
“People should not wait until they are seriously ill before visiting a health facility. Whenever someone experiences unusual symptoms or notices changes in their health, they should seek medical advice from qualified health professionals,” Nakavuma said.
The health camp also highlighted the role of partnerships between community organisations and health facilities in extending medical services to people who face barriers to timely treatment.
Through the outreach, the Rotary Club of Mityana sought to complement existing community health efforts by giving residents an opportunity to receive medical attention closer to their homes.
Residents were encouraged to participate in similar outreach programmes and make regular health check-ups part of their routine to support early diagnosis and better health outcomes.