Relief as foundation comes to the rescue of Kilifi's elderly

The recipients could afford a smile when they turned up for the services at a free medical camp organised at the Mrima wa Ndege in Ganze constituency.

The programme, known as 'Khairat Elderly Medical Scheme', has seen the group raise its monthly budget from Sh250,000 to Sh500,000 following increased cases.

The beneficiaries are aged 70 years and above and included the elderly who were uprooted from their homes following claims of practising witchcraft.

A beneficiary of the medical scheme Mr Kalume Thoya said he has managed to access treatment and urged for continued support.

"I have endured chest pains for many years and I am grateful that I have received free drugs. I hope to recover soon," he said.

Ms Dama Kombe who has suffered stomach complications and chest pains for ten years also said she had benefited from the programme.

"I have since visited hospitals but I found no drugs. It has been difficult for me to carry out my daily chores. However, I have benefited from medication and hope to get healed," she said.

Khairat Hospital chief executive officer Mr Mohamed Mahfoodh said they intervened following reports of many elderly suffering in the region.

"Many elderly people came to our hospital without money prompting us to intervene and start a free medical scheme to offer them relief. The elderly have come to our institution feeling lonely and neglected," he noted.

Mahfoodh urged the government through the social protection programme to launch a large-scale listing of the elderly in Kilifi county to alleviate their health burden.

M Abubakar Mohamed, the Khairat Medical Centre operation manager, urged other organisations to launch various programmes for the elderly in Kilifi to assist following rising numbers.