The County Government of Busia has received a boost for eye care health services following a donation of equipment worth Sh3.5 million from the Fred Hollows Foundation.

The equipment consisting of operating microscope, auto refractor, a scan machine and cataract sets will be based at the Khunyangu Sub County Referral Hospital in Butula Sub County to perform both major and minor eye surgeries.

The consignment was handed over to Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi at the Busia County Referral Hospital (BCRH) by the Foundation’s Programme Manager Catherine Jakaiti.

H.E Mulomi, who also the acting Health Executive, said the equipment will enhance access to quality eye services for locals especially in Butula Sub County which will now have a new satellite eye clinic similar to the one at the Kocholia Sub County Hospital.

“On behalf of the County Government of Busia, I want to appreciate the support provided by the Fred Hollows Foundation towards reducing blindness caused especially by cataract,” he said.

Ms Jakaiti said they will continue partnering with the County Government of Busia to reduce avoidable blindness in the county.

She further added: “We have also partnered with Vision for Life which has donated a number of reading glasses to help the less privileged in the society."

The County eye coordinator Harriet Kavere said the County Government has benefitted a lot from the support of the organization which has helped in terms of human resource, infrastructural development, equipment and supplies of various consumables.

She said the provision of eye health care services at the Khunyangu hospital will ease the pressure on the BCRH.

Chief Officer Medical Services Dr Isaac Omeri encouraged healthcare workers to advance their training in the field of ophthalmology following the growing demand of ophthalmologists in the County.

His Public Health counterpart Jonathan Ino said the Health and Sanitation Department through its budget allocation will look into the issue of sustainability to ensure that the exit of partners supporting health activities does not affect service provision to residents.

Director Medical Services Dr Janerose Ambuchi said the County Government is going on with plans to ensure eye care services are devolved to all the Sub County hospitals through the opening of satellite eye clinics.

Also donated were Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) including face masks, gowns, face shields, surgical gloves, thermoguns and sanitizers that will benefit eye health workers especially at the Busia County Referral Hospital to protect them against Coronavirus (Covid-19).

Photo: Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi receives Eye Care Health Services Equipment from the Fred Hollows Foundation Programme Manager Catherine Jakaiti.