From left, President Veronica Ndumbi, Projects Director Albashir Ahmed presenting donations to the Dispensary; a baby cot, a room heater and a mackintosh roll for the maternity ward to Mr. Meshack Wanjohi (Kikopey Dispensary In-charge) and Ms. Deborah Sirega (Gilgil Sub-County Lead-Health), President Elect Hilda Gikera.
 
By Rtn Thomas Njenga &  Jane Mwaura
 
Rotary Club of Hurlingham Nairobi Kenya in Partnership with Rotary Club of Alkmaar (Netherlands), Rotary Club of Bath (UK) and the County Government Nakuru constructed and commissioned the Kikopey Dispensary on the 14th April, 2017 to cater for the medical needs of the people in Kikopey area and its environs. Subsequently, on September 11th 2021, the club visited the dispensary for performance & needs assessment & identified a strong need for community outreach and sensitization. Thus, the idea of holding a medical camp was born, a day for the community and the surrounding area to receive medical services free of charge.
Residents queue for Covid-19 Vaccine, administered by Gilgil-Sub County team assisted by Rotarian Rose Joy Nkatha of RC Gilgil.
 
The Committee & Partners
President Veronica Ndumbi and Projects Director Albashir Ahmed formed a planning committee that would hold regular strategy sessions in preparation for the medical camp. This committee was led by Project Champion Thomas Njenga and composed of members from the Rotary Club of Hurlingham, The Rotary Club of Gilgil, Gilgil Sub-County Hospital and Kikopey Dispensary Staff. Among items discussed were:
•  Medical Services to be offered
•  Outreach to Sponsors and Partners
•  Budget Items
•  Call for Volunteer Expert Support
•  PR & Mobilization
The Gilgil Sub County Hospital was initially engaged as a partner in the outreach since the dispensary falls within its jurisdiction. They provided valuable information on the specific areas of focus for the medical camp based on the needs of the community.
Various partners were engaged in execution: Rotary Club of Gilgil, Nakuru County Government, Mediheal Group of Hospitals, S&M Pharmaceuticals, Teleflex Medical Technologies, Rangechem Pharmaceuticals, Harleys Limited, Sphinx Pharmaceuticals, Phillips Kenya, Wessex Pharmaceuticals, Bounty and St. John’s ambulance. The partners donated drugs & surgical apparatus, laboratory services, ambulance services, personnel & invaluable advice. 
Services that were provided at the Medical Camp:
•  Treatment of common ailments
•  Screening of non-communicable diseases
    – Diabetes & Hypertension etc.
•  Cancer Screening - Cervical cancer (screening and treatment), breast cancer, Prostrate cancer
•  COVID-19 Vaccination
•  HPV Vaccination
•  Routine Immunization
•  Family Planning Services
•  HIV/AIDS Testing
•  Eye Checkup
•  Dental Checkup
 
Dr.  Felix Kipkosgei, Ophthalmologist from Mediheal Hospital attending to a patient.
 
 
CONCLUSION
It was a very successful medical camp with 634 patients treated, 120 of which needed specialized eye care. The area has a need for another medical camp for optical services as there is an existing problem driven by climate conditions and the environment including very fine dust from Diatomite mining in the area. 98 volunteers came to extend their service at the camp and time translating to 950 volunteer hours.      
We wish to thank all our partners: Rotary Club of Gilgil, Nakuru County Government, Mediheal Group of Hospitals, S&M Pharmaceuticals, Teleflex Medical Technologies, Rangechem Pharmaceuticals, Harleys Limited, Sphinx Pharmaceuticals, Phillips Kenya, Wessex Pharmaceuticals, Bounty, St. John’s Ambulance, the Community volunteers and the Community in general. The event was covered by various media stations, print, visual and audio, including, Nakuru Online News, Coro FM, Radio yetu Citizen TV, The Star newspaper, NTV, The people daily and Daily Nation.
Thank you very much indeed. God bless.
 
 
Dr. Francis Kimani of Gilgil Sub-County Hospital, Volunteer Rotaractors Solomon Munyua, Sharon Sanguli & other volunteers dispensing drugs at the pharmacy.