
Over 1,300 Residents Benefit from Free Healthcare at Busia-Lumino Medical Camp Under ‘C-Care on the Road’ Initiative
The Busia-Lumino Medical Camp held from the 7th to 8th of September 2024 at Syamalede Church of Uganda Lumino in Busia district was a remarkable success under the 'C-Care on the Road' campaign. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Blip Foundation, Clarke International University, and supported by C-pharma, was aimed at providing free, high-quality healthcare services to underserved communities in this remote part of Uganda. Over the course of two days, a total of 1,334 individuals, including 220 patients referred to the referral hospital for further OPD management, received essential health services, many of whom had little to no access to medical care in their everyday lives.
The primary objectives of this medical camp were clear: to offer accessible healthcare to all, educate the community on preventive healthcare measures, accelerate early detection of chronic illnesses, and strengthen partnerships that could lead to long-term healthcare solutions in these remote areas. Through group counseling, individual consultations, and comprehensive screenings, the camp empowered residents to take charge of their health while also addressing immediate medical needs.
A dedicated team of healthcare professionals worked tirelessly over the two days, including four medical officers, four clinical officers, three nurses, a midwife, two lab technicians, a pharmacist, an ophthalmologist, and a public health officer. These professionals provided a wide range of services, from general consultations and eye care to maternal health services, laboratory tests, and pharmacy services. Health education sessions were also a key component, with participants learning about disease prevention and healthy living.
The camp witnessed a larger turnout of women than men, suggesting that women in Busia district may be more proactive in seeking healthcare. Notably, 55% of the beneficiaries were adults aged over 30 years, 27% were children between 0 to 18 years, and 18% were young adults aged 19 to 30. This distribution highlights the importance of healthcare for both dependents and adults, with a particular emphasis on chronic diseases affecting the older population.
During the two days, the first day saw 351 patients, while the second day managed to treat 983 individuals. Among the most common health issues addressed were malaria, hypertension, urinary tract infections, arthritis, and chickenpox in children. Particularly concerning was the discovery of three cases of severe malnutrition in children, who were immediately referred for ongoing care at Lumino HC IV. Other frequently encountered conditions included upper respiratory tract infections, vaginal candidiasis, tinea capitis, dermatitis, cystitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other forms of malnutrition.
On average, each physician reviewed around 220 patients, underscoring the immense demand for healthcare services in the area. To ensure effective communication, particularly with patients speaking local dialects, volunteers from Blip Foundation provided language interpretation services. This allowed the healthcare workers to understand the patients' needs better and offer more personalized care.
Despite the large turnout, the medical camp was able to provide all necessary services, ensuring that each individual received appropriate care. The camp also helped highlight some of the region's most prevalent health issues, such as chronic diseases and malnutrition, underscoring the need for continued intervention in these remote communities. Importantly, the collaboration between healthcare providers, NGOs, and corporate sponsors like C-pharma demonstrates the potential for sustainable and impactful healthcare initiatives in Uganda's most underserved areas.
This Busia-Lumino medical camp is a clear testament to the success of 'C-Care on the Road.' However, it also emphasizes the ongoing need for support in Uganda's last-mile communities. While this two-day camp brought much-needed relief, it is clear that a long-term, sustainable approach is necessary to tackle the deeply ingrained healthcare challenges faced by these regions. With continued partnerships and support, similar initiatives can help bridge the gap in healthcare access for Uganda’s most vulnerable populations.
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