Hundreds turn up for Star hospital's free medical camp

By Peter Ochieng

Residents of Kisumu's Kaloleni estate on Saturday turned up for a free medical camp, conducted by Star hospital in conjunction with Kisumu Muslim Association (KMA) and other partners, among them Kenya Red Cross.

The camp pitched at Muslim grounds saw residents access medical check up and treatment free of charge, with disease such as malaria, tuberculosis and typhoid amongst others being the target.

Star hospital's management, led by Salma Swaleh, the Managing Director said the target was to reach out to about 1,000 people, especially the vulnerable in the society.

Mwanaidi Swaleh, staff member at Star hospital said medical camps have turned out to be the best avenues for awareness creation on tackling various diseases in the community.

"Giving back to the community is our health icon. Regular medical check ups is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and future," she said.

"They are serving people effectively. I came here minutes ago and within a short time, I am leaving after being served quickly," said Fatma Abdul, one of the residents who turned up.

On his part, Hussein Rashid, Kenya Red Cross chairman in Kisumu county said the medical camps should be conducted frequently, so as to reach out to those not able to afford medication.

Rashid added that together with the Star hospital and other partners, they have planned for another free medical camp in the next two months.

Medical camps are majorly geared towards helping achieve United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goal number three, which speaks about good health and well being.

The SDGs are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

The 17 Goals are all interconnected, and in order to leave no one behind, they have to be achieved by 2030.