Homa Bay: Oasis Doctors’ Plaza Homa Bay branch held a free medical camp in an effort to support vulnerable communities and improve access to healthcare. The initiative, part of the facility’s ongoing community outreach efforts, sought to bridge the gap in access to quality medical care by providing free consultations, screenings, and treatment to residents who may otherwise face barriers to healthcare.
According to Kenya News Agency, among the essential services offered at the camp were orthopaedic, dental, eye, and general health. Philip Nyabata, Head of the Nursing Department, said the programme was part of a broader mission to improve public health outcomes and engage communities directly through accessible and affordable healthcare solutions. He said they aimed at reaching individuals who may not ordinarily seek medical attention due to financial constraints, providing an opportunity for patients to consult doctors and receive treatment at no cost, as part of the facility’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
‘We are committed to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve, and by organising such camps, we aim to reach people who may not have the means or opportunity to seek regular medical attention,’ Nyabata explained. He reiterated the long-term vision of the initiative, adding that similar efforts were being rolled out by Oasis Doctors in other counties across Kenya, including Kisii, Migori, Siaya, and Kehancha.
The ongoing programme aims to make a lasting impact on community health and is expected to expand further in the coming months. ‘This is not a one-time thing. We are looking forward to seeing a community of less privileged receiving such services in the future, as we plan to reach out to more residents in villages through an outreach programme,’ Nyabata added, noting, ‘We have shared information on all our social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp so that those online can also spread the word.’
The Marketing and Liaison Officer at Oasis, Philip Kioko, stated that many people refrained from visiting hospitals for medical services because they perceived treatment to be too costly. ‘This camp is about making healthcare accessible to everyone, especially those who need it most. We want to reach out to the people who view treatment as expensive yet it is possible for them to get the required treatment,’ he said.
Given that a large proportion of those suffering from orthopaedic conditions are elderly, the facility partnered with local churches, community leaders, and chiefs to mobilise residents. They sent letters a week earlier to churches to spread the word among the masses about the free medical camp. The hospital prioritised offline outreach methods, acknowledging that many in the target demographic do not have access to digital platforms.
‘We have begun at the hospital before we can escalate the programme to the wider community,’ Kioko said. To ensure accessibility, the hospital also provided free transportation for patients to and from the facility.