EPWORTH- More than 200 Epworth residents from Ward 6, including the elderly, women, children, and other vulnerable groups, received free medical care during a Presidential Medical Outreach Programme conducted in the area on Saturday. The initiative brought much-needed healthcare services to a community often overlooked due to limited access to affordable and quality treatment.
The outreach programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, offered a wide range of essential services. These included routine immunisations for children, hypertension screening, treatment of minor ailments, management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and psychosocial support for individuals struggling with stress-related conditions and mental health issues.
For many residents, the initiative was a lifeline. In a community where public health infrastructure is stretched thin and private healthcare remains out of reach for most, the outreach offered a rare opportunity to receive comprehensive medical attention free of charge.
One of the beneficiaries, an elderly woman who underwent hypertension screening, expressed her appreciation.
“I have gone through the tests, and I’m very satisfied with the treatment I received. I was screened for high blood pressure, and the medical team gave me the medication I needed. Everything was well organised, and I didn’t have to wait too long,” she said.
Another local resident, visibly emotional, added, “I hope this outreach is extended to other communities across the country. Medicines are very expensive, and people are dying simply because they cannot afford proper treatment. This initiative is a blessing — it is saving lives.”
Some residents shared personal testimonies of how the outreach came at a critical time.
“I had been suffering from diarrhoea for three days, but because I didn’t have the money to go to a clinic, I tried to manage it with home remedies. When I came here today, the doctors diagnosed me with dehydration and gave me proper medication. I already feel better and am very grateful,” one beneficiary said.
Leading the medical delegation was the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora. Addressing the media and community members, Dr. Mombeshora explained that the outreach was informed by a detailed needs assessment conducted which identified serious healthcare gaps affecting Epworth residents.
Over 200 Epworth Residents Receive Free Treatment Through Presidential Medical Outreach
“Medical outreach programmes like this one are essential because they eliminate barriers such as distance, lack of transport, and cost — factors that prevent people from accessing proper healthcare,” Dr. Mombeshora said. “This programme ensures that even those in marginalised and underserved areas can receive the medical attention they need. We discovered that many people here have ongoing health issues, but due to financial constraints and time, they can’t see a doctor or buy medication. That’s why we came — to bring health services directly to the people.”
The outreach was supported by various health partners, including Discovery Ambulance Services, which provided mobile clinics and emergency support throughout the day. CEO of Discovery Ambulance Services, Mr. David Munowenyu, underscored the importance of such initiatives in improving national health outcomes.
“The Presidential Emergency Outreach is a vital public health strategy. It not only brings services closer to people but also plays a crucial role in education and early detection. Preventive care is critical, especially in areas like Epworth, where access to health centres is limited. By treating people early, we avoid more serious and costly health problems down the line,” said Mr. Munowenyu.
The outreach also included education on lifestyle diseases, hygiene practices, maternal health, and the importance of regular medical check-ups. Health personnel conducted awareness sessions on how early intervention can prevent the progression of common non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.
The event drew high praise from local leaders, who called on the government to make such outreach programmes a regular feature, especially in high-density suburbs and rural areas.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring universal access to healthcare in line with the Government’s Vision 2030 goals. Through programmes like this, the government hopes to reduce health disparities and ensure that no citizen is left behind, regardless of where they live or their financial status.
As the sun set on the day’s activities in Epworth, one thing was clear: the Presidential Medical Outreach Programme had brought more than just medicine — it brought hope.
