FRED HOLLOWS OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO BUSIA HEALTH WORKERS
Fred Hollows Foundation has offered scholarships to health workers in Busia County to address the shortage of eye care specialists.
The Director Medical Services, Dr Janerose Ambuchi revealed that the organization has identified four beneficiaries who will train as ophthalmologist, ophthalmic nurse as well as two cataract surgeons who will upgrade their skills.
Speaking in Busia town during an advocacy meeting for human resources for eye health, the Director said that the number of eye care workers is inadequate hence affecting efforts to provide effective and efficient services to locals.
“At one point we did some analysis which established that there is no ophthalmologist in the County l, a situation that has created a big gap with all the eye care problems. We encourage health personnel interested in ophthalmology to go for training which takes a very short period,” she added.
The sentiments were echoed by her Preventive and Promotive Services counterpart, Dr Melsa Lutomia, who said the way forward to increase capacity is to urge people to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
“We advise workers to take up courses on ophthalmology as specialization,” she said.
The County Eye Coordinator Harriet Kavere disclosed that five eye care workers are set to retire this year 2022, adding that despite shortage of eye specialists, team work among the personnel has greatly supported their efforts to provide services.
Fred Hollows Foundation Project Manager Catherine Jakaiti said they are committed towards ensuring that human resource is well aligned in all partnerships for the interest of residents.
The Department of Health and Sanitation requires eye care workers from different cadres; including 4 ophthalmologist, cataract surgeons (3), ophthalmic nurses (4), ophthalmic assistants (10), and 4 optical technicians.
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