Residents in Mkuranga benefit from free medical checkup, treatment

The camp under KOICA Volunteer Cooperation Initiative (Health Promotion Project), involved health check-ups and medical treatment of various diseases including eyes, communicable and non-communicable diseases such as cervical cancer, Covid-19, Malaria and others.

Speaking during the event late last week, Dr Daedong Kim, Global Cooperative Doctor at KOICA Tanzania said the medical camp was conducted for three days from November 21 to 23 at Mkuranga District Hospital.

He said the medical screening aimed to identify various health challenges including eye diseases such as those with visual impairment and cataracts where 351 got screening on eye challenges with 20 undergoing surgery and others received medicines and eye glasses.

"This has also gone along with educating the residents on the importance of conducting regular medical check-ups and adhering to safe lifestyles," he said.

Dr Kin noted that only healthy and happy students reach their full potential. Being at good health is hence an integral component of a child’s education and his or her future.

He said the eye screening camp was conducted by Vision Care Tanzania staff while the cervical cancer, vaccination of polio and others were provided by experts from World Health Organization (WHO) Tanzania.

Specialists from Muhimbili National Hospital (MHN) were also at the camp providing outpatient care services along with those at the Mkuranga District Hospital who also supported some medical tools.

Dr Joachim Kilemile, an ophthalmologist from Muhimbili National Hospital commended KOICA for their continued support which had greatly helped improve health of people through several medical camps.

He said the medical camps provide great support to underprivileged people who usually fail to access medical services.

"Apart from cataract surgeries, the residents have been offered with medical check-ups and counselling for a number of health conditions including dental conditions, cervical cancer, eyesight, malaria, diabetes, ear, nose and throat and skin conditions," he said.

Amina Salum, one of the residents thanked KOICA and the medical team for organising the free health camp which has benefited them greatly.

“It is very hard to access quality medical services if you don’t have money, this our greatest challenge here, so this camp has been a blessing to us as we have benefited from specialised medical check-up and treatment, I am very happy because all my three children have also received the services and we have been provided with medicines to take at home,” she said.