US medics offer free treatment to Mpigi residents

Over 700 patients' from about 10 villages in Mpigi District have received free treatment from an American NGO known as the Catholic Health Initiatives for Uganda (CHIU).

The beneficiaries who received treatment for various diseases were from villages including Mitala-Maria, Buwama, Maggya, Kasubi-Kamu, Buyiwa, Nsangwa, Kamu-Kamu,  Kanaani, Katikanyonyi and Buwunga in buwama sub-county.

CHIU Medical mission to Mitala Maria was led by Kathy McNamara and Gilberto Gamba.

The group consisted of over 13 doctors, nurses, dentists and three volunteers.

They treated ailments like sexual transmitted diseases, high blood pressure, skin affections, malaria, diarrhea, typhoid, HIV/AIDS, and also carried out free medical tests.

According to Gamba, the initiative is aimed at improving health of the people and that this was the third time to help out in Uganda. 

"Catholic Health Initiative for Uganda (CHIU) is ensuring an improved and maintained  Health Care for the rural Catholic health centers and hospitals in Uganda," he told The New Vision Monday.

He revealed that CHIU is incorporated in the state of Massachusetts USA since April 2015 with the mandate of ensuring an improved and maintained health care through Rural Catholic Health Centers and Hospitals in Uganda.

He added that since its inception, CHIU has organized medical mission trips to Uganda to treat and to offer some medical supplies to rural Uganda, providing powerful solar systems to the Maternity Ward of St. Anthony's Health Center Mitala Maria as an alternative to the unpredictable hydro power serving the health center.

Gamba said the organisation consists of people of like minds, with interest in health care, working to raise awareness and improve infrastructure and conditions through Catholic healthcare facilities in rural Uganda.

"We create improved water systems for increased sanitation, implement solar power to save on energy costs and provide up-to-date medical equipments," he said

John Marzil, one of the volunteers from Walthan, Mausa said that they came to assist people in Uganda with Fr. David Ssentamu, their Curate in St Mary's Parish in Boston.

The doctors are due to return home this Saturday.

Fr. Ssentamu, the priest from Boston said that they want to support all the entire health centers in the area.

"Next year we will go to Buyoga Health center in Masaka district," he said

Sister Regina Nakachwa, In charge of St Anthony Health Center Mitala-Maria, thanked the CHIU for the three -year partnership and the good work they have done for the health center, including the provision of the solar panel and water system.   

She thanked Fr. Ssentamu for his efforts.

She urged other well-wishers to donate towards the welfare of the centre, saying they still need more equipment and drugs.  

Edward Kabega of Namasawo-Jjalamba is one of the patients that benefitted from the exercise. He said they don't have money for treatment adding that getting such free treatment has helped them.

Peragiya Nambooze from Buyiwa-Buwama said, " I heard an announcement about the treatment at church, my first day I missed the opportunity but today I'm lucky I have received the treatment, and I know I will be fine."