Over 1,000 patients have benefited from a free eye screening and treatment courtesy of Pankaj Social Service and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

The screening exercise which started last week across the seven sub-counties in the area will see some 600 patients undergo operation at JOOTRH over the next five days to remove cataracts.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili said the camp came at the right time to support patients who hitherto could not afford the treatment.

He thanked Pankaj Social Service for the gesture, saying the county government will continue to seek partnerships with other organisations to ensure patients in need of such services are reached.

JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Richard Lesiyampe said the support which encompassed transport from the Sub-Counties to the referral facility for specialised treatment was a major boost to the patients some who had lost hope of regaining their sight.

Cataracts surgery, he said costs Sh. 15,000 which was beyond the reach of most of the affected patients adding that the initiative was part of JOOTRH’s plan to reach out to the underserved parts of the community.

The camp which ends on Friday, he added, comes after a successful neurosurgery camp which saw the facility undertake 24 successful brain and spinal surgeries for free.

The facility, he said, would continue to seek partnerships to ensure that patients who need specialised treatment and are unable to meet the cost are assisted.

Source: Kenya News Agency