Lamu: Hundreds of residents in Baragoni, Lamu Central Sub-County, received free healthcare services Saturday during a medical outreach camp organised by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). Speaking during the rollout programme which is aimed at providing healthcare services to marginalized communities within Lamu's mainland area, KPA Communications Manager Jones Buchere stated that the initiative is aimed at delivering vital medical care to communities facing significant barriers to healthcare access.
According to Kenya News Agency, the one-day camp, held at Baragoni Primary School, was attended by residents from Baragoni and surrounding villages, including Bobo, Magumba, Milimani, and Bodhai Junction. KPA provided a team of medical experts who offered a range of services, including general consultations, health screenings, and referrals for specialised treatment.
"The camp aimed to improve access to quality healthcare, raise health awareness, and support the well-being of communities that often struggle with inadequate medical infrastructure and high poverty levels," Buchere said. "We thank the residents of Baragoni for turning up for the medical camp and we look forward to continuing our partnership in building a better future for all," he added.
Also speaking during the medical camp was Dr. Gome Lenga, KPA's Manager of Medical Services, who highlighted the importance of reaching underserved populations through such initiatives. He further revealed that two patients had been referred to King Fahad Hospital in Lamu for specialised care, underscoring the impact and necessity of the outreach.
"Most of the patients we treated were suffering from common ailments that could have been managed early, but due to financial hardships to reach medical facilities, they had remained untreated," Dr. Gome said. Residents interviewed praised KPA for the initiative, which they said enabled them to receive professional medical services free of charge, with many expressing hopes that similar camps would be held regularly.
"We are truly thankful to KPA. This camp came as a blessing for many who have been suffering in silence," Amina Aburi, a Baragoni resident, intimated. Local Assistant Chief Salim Abul Salim echoed the community's concerns, noting that financial constraints and lack of essential drugs at local facilities have made it difficult for residents to access proper healthcare.