ConnectMed, the winners of the Villgro Kenya $10, 000 award for the best health category at the Nairobi Innovation Week have embarked on an activation activity to sensitize more people and create awareness on diabetes and hypertension.
With the partnership of the Nairobi County Government they have set up four screening booths strategically within the Nairobi Central Business District for two months. Two are at the Kenya National Archives while the others are set up in different parts of town daily.
At the booths they screen for hypertension and diabetes at no cost. Once you walk in you get your BMI checked, followed by your pressure and finally you are tested for blood sugar using a glucometer. The medical practitioners on site encourage patients found with either or both conditions to register on the ConnectMed(MDaktari) platform to help with monitoring of the condition and easy and affordable consultations.
“It is easier to be registered because the consultation fee is very affordable and once you are on the platform, we monitor your health daily. Patients are required to send daily readings of their pressure for those with hypertension. We give the glucometer to those with diabetes. Management of these conditions is key and as opposed to monthly check-up daily monitoring helps the patient live a more healthy lifestyle”, Kevin a Health Coach with ConnectMed said when we visited their booth.
Those who are not found to have hypertension or diabetes are congratulated and encouraged to continue living a healthy lifestyle.
“We encourage those who are not found with either conditions to live healthy lifestyles, and tell them to inform friends or family members who have hypertension or diabetes to get registered on the ConnectMed platform. We also give out brochures to help spread the word.” says Wycliffe Odhiambo Oogo, a Health Coach.
Going by the number of people who walk in to be screened at their booths, there is a growing number of Kenyans who are more conscious about their health. Younger people are however more hesitant to test for hypertension or diabetes.
“Some young people would rather not know, while others just fear needles but we encourage them to come get screened so that just in case they have either it is easily managed.” Kevin noted.
ConnectMed’s consultations are not limited to hypertension and diabetes but it also covers a wide range of ailments (cold & flu, eye, skin, UTI’s, Diarrhea & Vomiting and minor injuries). Through the affordable online platform, patients can get in touch with a doctor anytime, anywhere.