By Timothy Nzai | April 25, 2026
VIHIGA COUNTY, KENYA — Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare during the ongoing Maragoli Hills Free Medical Camp at Ivona Primary School.
The outreach programme, organized by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, seeks to bring essential medical services closer to wananchi while supporting the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
Hundreds of residents attending the camp are benefiting from a wide range of free healthcare services, including Social Health Authority (SHA) registration and activation, medical consultations, treatment for common illnesses, general health check-ups, cancer screening, and testing for hypertension, tuberculosis, and HIV.
The camp is also offering dental services, blood donation, mental health care, as well as screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), easing the burden of healthcare costs for vulnerable communities.
Speaking during the medical outreach, Dr. Oluga said such community-based programmes are critical in identifying common health challenges affecting wananchi and helping the government strengthen healthcare investments.
“These medical camps help us understand the key health problems affecting communities and guide investments in hospital infrastructure, medical equipment, and essential medicines,” said Dr. Oluga.
He added that the initiative is enabling people, especially those in rural areas, to access screening, treatment, and medication without experiencing financial strain.
The Principal Secretary further urged residents to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme to enhance access to affordable healthcare services and reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
He also encouraged Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to intensify household registration and public health awareness campaigns to ensure more families benefit from government health programmes.
In a major announcement, Dr. Oluga disclosed that contracts for Universal Health Coverage workers have been extended until June 30 as consultations continue on transitioning them to permanent and pensionable employment terms.
He commended Community Health Promoters for their contribution in strengthening grassroots healthcare services and assured them of continued government support through monthly stipends and SHA health insurance coverage.
The Maragoli Hills medical outreach forms part of broader government efforts to expand healthcare access in underserved regions and accelerate the realization of Universal Health Coverage across the country.
