Marsabit residents urged to register for SHA to access eye care services

By Nyabande Orwa

Residents of Marsabit county have been urged to prioritize eye health and seek medical attention early for eye-related conditions, as the Marsabit County Referral and Teaching Hospital continues to expand access to eye care services. The call was made by the head of the eye department, Amina Duba.

Speaking during a free eye treatment outreach program, Duba said a large number of residents still lack adequate information about SHA registration. She emphasized the need for increased public awareness, particularly in remote areas.

Meanwhile, Qatar Charity Kenya representative Abdullahi Alio said about 500 people had turned up for eye treatment on the first day of the exercise, out of the 1,000 patients expected to be served over the two-day program.

Alio noted that many of those seeking treatment were suffering from eye-related conditions, including allergies and cataracts. He advised residents to protect themselves from dust and strong sunlight and to seek medical attention early whenever they experience eye problems.

He further said that 60 cataract patients are scheduled to undergo surgery tomorrow.

Residents who spoke to the station after receiving treatment expressed hope that the program would help improve their eye health.