Dr. Stephen Mugabe attends to a patient at Namalemba Centre II in Iganga district

By Francis Emorut

OVER 800 patients received free treatment at Namalemba Health Centre II in Busembatya town, Iganga district on Saturday. The patients, who thronged the health centre from 6:00am until 7:00pm, were treated by 10 voluntary doctors from Kampala.

The medical team comprised dentists, gynaecologists, paediatricians and eye specialists. The doctors were supported by 10 paramedics and 30 Rotarians.

The head of the medical team, Dr. Frank Mwesigye, an eye specialist, said the group was overwhelmed by the high turn up.

Mwesigye added that there was a high demand for medical services in the rural areas. He said most eye patients were suffering from cataract, trachoma, glaucoma, allergies and tumours.

Patients with dental problems had their teeth extracted, filled, scaled and polished. The pregnant women underwent antenatal check-ups.

Other patients who received treatment were those suffering from urinary tract infections, sexually-transmitted infections, pneumonia, conjunctivitis and anaemia.

Children with malaria and respiratory tract infections also received medication.

Mwesigye urged the Government to allocate more resources for health services in order to improve the health of the rural poor.

The clinic, organised by the Rotary Club of Kampala North, aimed at helping the rural poor who cannot pay for medical services.

Rotarian Dr. Francis Tusubira appealed to the Government to upgrade Namalemba health centre II to health centre III and provide doctors.

Kampala North Rotary Club president Charles Mwesige urged the Government to make the poor more productive so that they contribute to the economic development of the country.