By Christine Ngitori
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has urged residents to prioritize regular health check-ups to understand their medical conditions better.
Governor Njuki expressed concern over the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, which often lead to fatalities among individuals unaware of their health issues.
“I was taken aback when a doctor prescribed vitamin D supplements for me, revealing that my lack of sun exposure had led to deficiencies. I used to rush from my house to my car without taking a moment to soak in the sunlight. I also have a friend who suffered from iron deficiency, even though meat is readily available. This highlights how a lack of knowledge can have dire consequences. We must take care of our bodies, as anyone can fall victim to these diseases,” Njuki stated during the funeral of his Chief Officer for Environment, Peterson Kathenya.
The governor emphasized the importance of utilizing community health promoters, who are positioned in villages to conduct screenings for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, and make appropriate referrals if necessary.
“I encourage everyone to participate in regular check-ups to mitigate the risks associated with high blood pressure and diabetes. Utilize the services of our community health promoters (CHPs) in your neighborhoods,” he urged.
Njuki also encouraged residents to support his administration’s health initiatives.
“Many leaders shy away from addressing the truth. The Kenyan government is implementing a Facility Improvement Fund, which mandates that funds generated at our Level Four and Level Five hospitals be reinvested in those facilities. We have seen an influx of patients from neighboring counties because Tharaka Nithi County has yet to adopt this program,” Njuki explained.
He noted that his administration has waived consultation fees at Level Two and Level Three facilities, resulting in an overwhelming number of patients from Meru and Embu Counties, which have already implemented the Fund.
“Miomponi and Magutuni are overflowing with patients, quickly depleting the available stock of medications. Wouldn’t it be better to pay just Sh50 and have medicines available? Other counties are doing this successfully. One only needs to look at our neighboring regions to see the program in action; we must address this issue,” Njuki asserted.
Tharaka Nithi Woman Representative Susan Mwindu echoed the importance of health, stating that maintaining good hygiene is essential to managing lifestyle, airborne, and waterborne diseases.
Meanwhile, Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki’s personal assistant, Timothy Kinegeni, encouraged the mourners to unite in support of the MP’s future gubernatorial campaign.
“Politics is transient; opinions about current politicians will fluctuate, but those who have positively impacted the community through development will emerge unscathed. When the time comes, the MP will seek your votes to rise to the position of governor,” Kinegeni remarked.
He further highlighted the collaborative efforts between the MP’s office and local administrators to promote development projects for residents.
“Let us pray for our families so that we receive God’s blessings. The MP has asked me to encourage patience among his constituents,” he added.
