Karatina University, in collaboration with several partners held a free medical camp on Saturday 24th February 2024 at Karatina Stadium. The event offered medical support to the residents of Karatina and its environs. The services included screening for cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, dental, counselling services, general physician consultations among others. The partners included Aga Khan University Hospital, the Karen Hospital, Jamii Hospital, Puniqaa Pharmaceuticals, Cooperative Bank, Stanbic Bank, and Nyeri County Government.
Others were Broadways Bakery, who in conjunction with Aratus Health Limited, strategically brought the free diabetes and blood pressure screening. Ground for Health provided free cervical cancer screening and on-site clinic for those affected.
Over one thousand people with various ailments and conditions were treated.
In attendance were Senator Wahome Wamatinga of Nyeri County, two Karatina University Council Members, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Linus M. Gitonga, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (ARSA) Prof. Hellen Kamiri, and Karatina University staff and students.
(From left) Mr. Jonah Muchiri of Aga Khan University Hospital, Prof. Linus M. Gitonga the Vice Chancellor, Council Members and the Ag. DVC ARSA Prof. Hellen Kamiri pose for a group photo.
The event was officially launched by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Linus M. Gitonga. In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor noted that the aim of holding such medical camps is to fulfill one of the University’s mandate which is community outreach in addition to training and research. He further said that the University aims to benefit the local community using both its human and non-human resources. The VC added that the relevance of any university is demonstrated by the impact it makes in the community. He therefore said that the University is keen in promoting community partnerships and the medical camp was one of the avenues of reaching out to the community to enhance a strong relationship with them.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Linus M. Gitonga addressing the residents of Karatina who turned up for the free medical camp at Karatina Stadium.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated Prof. Josphat Kinyanjui, the Dean School of Nursing, who together with the members of the planning committee put all the efforts to ensure that the medical camp was a success. This was done in partnership with local leaders and chiefs who mobilized members of the public to attend the Camp. He also appreciated the involvement of staff from the Health Unit, students from the School of Nursing, and the Department of Food Science and Nutrition for providing services to the patients.
The VC poses for a photo with a part of the residents at the medical camp
The Vice Chancellor in his remarks noted that the University is pivotal in providing quality services to the community including school mentorship programmes, free medical camps, environmental awareness and sensitizations, and training of youth and caregivers among others. He promised that the University will continue to organise such events in the future to benefit both local and wider communities.