VIHIGA, Kenya – Residents of Vihiga County in the Western Kenya region can breathe a sigh of relief after area Governor Wilber Ottichilo rolled out a free surgical camp in the area.
The weeklong exercise is a result of collaboration between his administration and Operation International, a secular non-profit making organisation based in the U.S.A.
The camp running from Sunday, June 8, to Friday, June 13, 2025, is being held at the Vihiga County Referral Hospital (VCRH).
Governor Ottichilo disclosed that it aims to provide general and specialised surgical procedures to residents with conditions such as goitre, breast lumps, hernias, and prostate enlargement, alongside ENT surgeries for nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, and other related issues.
Screening and registration are currently ongoing at VCRH, and services will be available daily from 7 AM to 5 PM.
“I urge all residents with conditions that require surgical interventions to take advantage of this opportunity and benefit from the pool of highly qualified doctors both from abroad and within our county,’ said the county boss.
How many medical surgeries are expected to be conducted
While echoing the governor’s remarks, Dr. Hillary Shivonje, a medic in Vihiga, took the opportunity to invite the residents of Vihiga and others from the neighbouring counties to the surgical camp.
“It will involve a team of experienced medical personnel from here in Vihiga and the U.S. through the facilitation of our governor. Anyone with a tumour in the face, cleft palate that will be corrected through medical surgery, goitre, stomach cancer, hernia or other illnesses,” he said.
Dr. Shivonje said the medical camp will run for only six days, but they expect to conduct over 150 surgeries.
“So, we are appealing to everyone with the above-mentioned health conditions to avail themselves so that they can be helped to carry on with their normal lives. Even if you are not registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), just come and we shall help you through the process,” he added.
He also said the county boss had assured them that he would facilitate the transportation of all those who may not have the means to get to the medical camp.
Dr. Mary Susan Anyienda, Chief Officer, Health Services, Vihiga County, also reminded the residents about the surgical camp.
“Remember that conducting a surgery is one of the most expensive procedures, but this one is free of charge. We are making a clarion call to all the residents to come out in large numbers so that we can do the screening before the D-Day,” she said.
Why is it necessary for the residents to be registered on SHA
According to Dr. Anyienda, the screening will enable the medics to determine a patient’s condition so that they are enlisted among the beneficiaries of the exercise.
“This screening will be conducted across the county’s 74 medical facilities. Anyone who faces challenges is free to come to our county referral hospital in Mbale so that we can know your condition early enough ahead of the surgery,” Dr. Anyienda further said.
She also appealed to people who are yet to register on SHA to visit any of their county health facilities for assistance.
“This is the only opportunity that we should take advantage of,” said the Chief Officer.
Bernice Wafubwa, Perioperative Nurse, Vihiga County, urged all those seeking treatment to come after they have been registered on SHA.
“This is because after the surgery, they will still need to be treated in our wards. Those without SHA should carry their national IDs along with them so that we can help them through the process. We invite you all, and we are ready to serve you,” Wafubwa explained.
