Embu: The County Government of Embu has launched a health outreach programme designed to take specialist medical care to residents in rural sub-counties. Through the initiative dubbed 'Madaktari Mashinani' (Doctors in the grassroots), the Department of Health will be assembling a team of specialist doctors to offer a wide array of services, including specialised consultations, comprehensive screening, and rehabilitative care.

According to Kenya News Agency, County Public Health Chief Officer Henry Nthiga, speaking during the first outreach event held at Kategi Health Center in Mwea Sub-county, said the programme was a strategic move to decentralise healthcare by shifting specialist services from Embu Level Five Hospital and Level Fours to rural communities. Nthiga explained the objective is to ensure residents can access specialised care and treatment at local primary care facilities to reduce the burden of long-distance travel to major facilities such as the Level Five Hospital.

Nthiga noted that many patients in rural areas have historically been forced to forego their referral appointments to major facilities over high costs and physical strain. He highlighted cases of patients referred for specialised treatment failing to honor their referrals due to cost and distance factors, leading to deterioration of conditions or irreversible damage. The initiative aims to fill that gap by allowing patients to be reviewed and booked at their nearest health facility.

Area Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Terry Matheka remarked that the initiative was also an eye-opener to the huge population of patients at the grassroots suffering in silence because they cannot reach major hospitals. Matheka expressed concern over the growing cases of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and various forms of cancers. She urged residents to go for regular check-ups for early detection and intervention before they cause irreversible damage or even death.

Patients expressed gratitude for the initiative, terming it a lifeline. Miriam Nyaguthii, whose baby was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, shared that for the first time she was able to access a pediatric expert, which would otherwise have required an expensive trip. Though referred to Kenyatta National Hospital, she expressed relief at understanding her child's condition and knowing where to get assistance.