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 specialists from American under 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 abdomen or pelvic cavities.
Solomon Ultata, 32, a resident from Eastleigh, said he has had gall bladder complications for long but was happy he was operated on.
“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 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 in private hospitals for goiter problems, but I’m now healing after being treated at Mama Lucy Hospital,” Gathoni said.
Mama Lucy Hospital medical superintendent Musa Mohamed said that with the start of laparoscopy, there will be no congestion at the Hospital.
“Our main focus will be cholecystectomy (operation to remove gallbladder), hernia repair among other major operations,” he said.
Nairobi Health CEC Mohamed Dagane said the free camp will be a yearly event and will help the poor.
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 settlements have NHIF covers,” Sonko said.
The medical camp began on April 28 and is conducted at Mama Lucy, Pumwani and Mbagathi hospitals.
The camp ended on Friday.
The camp was meant to help those who could not afford treatment.