By Chris Ochowun

DOCTORS from the US and East African armies were last Sunday overwhelmed by the large number of patients that came for free treatment in Kitgum district.

As part of the natural fire exercise, which ends on Monday, over 5,000 people were treated for malaria, pneumonia, anemia, dental and intestinal problems, at various medical camps.

According to the head of the US army medical team, Dr. Alan Hodgdon, the medical camps that started on Sunday, were held at Palabek, Mucwini, Pajimo and Kitgum hospitals. At Pajimo 3,552 patients were treated and 1,800 at Mucwini health unit.

“We are here for one week to provide medical treatment to Ugandans, and also interact with the doctors on how to use new medicines for some of the common diseases in Africa,“ said Dr Hodgdon.

He added: “We also conducted health education on hygiene, hand-washing, nutrition, HIV/AIDS and dental care.” The US army medical team has distributed more than 4,000 spectacles and thousands of drugs to the patients. A US army Lt. Victoria Lynn Watson helped deliver a baby at Pajimo health centre on Wednesday. The baby was named ‘Cage’.

Dr. Cindy Isukwe of the International Committee of the Red Cross, volunteering at Kitgum Hospital said they are amazed with the huge number of former IDPs who thronged the hospital.
Among the patients was 88-year-old Veciloda Auma, who was treated for high blood pressure and anaemia.

Another patient Rose Aciro said: “I came here at about 9:00am and got when so many people had lined up for treatment. Some spent a night here. “I am suffering from asthma, which started in 1996, and high blood pressure plus a simple fracture in my knees.”

Other than medical camps in the various health centres and Kitgum Hospital, the US army is also training the East African armies in convoy protection, martial arts and riot control at Pajimo barracks.