SIMPSON M
Hon. Dr. Elisa Rutahirwa, the Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality, has launched a free Tuberculosis and Cancer awareness, screening, and testing campaign aimed at curbing the spread of these diseases in the district and across the country.
Dr. Rutahirwa stated that the initiative is supported by RUCOMED (Rukoba Rwomunda for Community Mobilisation and Development), a non-governmental organization under his leadership. He emphasized that this effort seeks to provide comprehensive medical care for the people of Rukungiri, marking a major milestone in the region’s healthcare services.
The medical camp, which began on Tuesday at Rwamahwa Health Center IV, includes a mobile clinic offering free tuberculosis screening and treatment for those who test positive. The campaign will run from November 13th to 15th, 2024, with tuberculosis screening and treatment available on the 13th and 14th, and cancer screening services scheduled for the 14th and 15th.
Hon. Dr. Rutahirwa urged all residents to take advantage of the free medical services, which include examinations, tests, diagnoses, and treatment. He highlighted the importance of early screening and the opportunity to access these essential services at no cost.
Dr. Musinguzi Cornelius, the Rukungiri District TB focal person, commended Hon. Dr. Rutahirwa for the initiative. He noted that Rukungiri is one of the districts with a high prevalence of TB, particularly in areas such as Ndorero, Fuluma, Kalangalo, Bwambara, and Nyakajeme. The district records approximately 760 cases of TB annually, indicating a significant health challenge. Dr. Musinguzi encouraged residents to take advantage of this unique opportunity to address their medical needs.
Moses Tumwine, the Coordinator of RUCOMED, praised the campaign as a testament to the government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and quality in Rukungiri through Hon. Rutahirwa’s leadership. He urged the community to embrace development initiatives without partisan bias and make full use of the medical services provided.
Several residents who received screening and medical care expressed gratitude to Dr. Rutahirwa for his commitment to their well-being. They shared that they often find it difficult to afford screening services at hospitals, but thanks to Dr. Rutahirwa’s efforts, they can now access these essential services for free.
