- Residents welcomed the initiative saying it was a relief to many families.
- They also voiced their support for the construction of Kenneth Matiba Level 5 hospital at land surrendered by Del Monte to Murang'a county.
Image: JOHN KAMAU
Murang'a county has adopted primary health care as a means to fight non-communicable diseases among other illnesses.
As a result, the county government is enlisting the services of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in order to effectively reach populations in the rural areas where there is scarcity of medical services.
Murang'a Director of Health Dr James Mburu said the county has been conducting screening of non-communicable ailments like cancer and diabetes at health centres and at the community level using CHPs.
He added that the Governor Irungu Kang'ata-led government is reaching out to investors and sponsors to help take these services closer to the people.
Mburu spoke during a free medical camp at Mukerenju Primary School in Kabati, Kandara constituency, organised by Del Monte in partnership with other sponsors, where nearly 2,000 residents were screened and treated for various diseases.
"The county government appreciates and will continue to promote partnerships with stakeholders like Del Monte and others as we endeavour to make life better for our people and more so in healthcare," said the director.
Residents welcomed the initiative saying it was a relief to many families, noting they have been seeking medical care from public facilities far away while private ones were out of their reach.
They also voiced their support for the construction of Kenneth Matiba Level 5 hospital at land surrendered by Del Monte to Murang'a county but which has been greeted with controversy with some locals opposing it.
Del Monte officials led by the acting managing director Wayne Cook said the company will continue to partner with government institutions and communities to improve infrastructure and other services.
"As a company who believe in the value of care, we are committed to participating in many activities within the community and fulfilling our core mandate of community service. We can now join forces and work in partnership to bring change to the community. This is by working closely with all stakeholders, industries, medical professions and patients, who should always have a seat at the table to make their own decisions on their health," Cook said.
He also called for concerted efforts to combat cancer which is having a huge toll on the society and the work environment.
The company human resources director Gerald Matoke told it's neighbouring communities to expect more positive engagements going forward.
"Other than employing residents, we shall be working closely with both the county and national governments to improve infrastructure and other aspects of life for our people," Matoke said.