MP Magoola calls for routine disease checks, warns against self-medication

Bugweri, (UG):- Bugweri District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Racheal Magoola alias Obangaina has urged the public to always prioritize routine disease screening and debunk the mentality of self-medication as it is better to first get tested before getting treatment.

Hon Magoola was early this week closing a three-day medical camp which she organized at Bulyansime village, Igombe Sub County in Bugweri district, and emphasis was majorly put on screening and treatment of high blood pressure, eye diseases, and cervical cancer, among other infections.

During the camp where over 500 people were screened and treated the community members who were diagnosed with a number of infections, the MP was concerned with the increasing number of people opting for self-medication and eventually end up bleeding infections to severe stages where the diseases become deadly and less managed by treatment.

“I call upon people in Bugweri district to put emphasis on preventing diseases by testing before the illnesses become severe, eating in time to avoid ulcers and avoid stresses which causes high blood pressure. Most of the time when you feel a bit sick and rush to the nearby drug shop for drugs yet you’re supposed to go and face specialists in health centres,” Hon Magoola said.

The MP expressed concern that most of the time drug shop attendants are hired to dispense drugs without clear knowledge about the illnesses and end up complicating the conditions which would be managed in health centers which have specialized health officers.

She emphasized that the medical camp will be rolled out to other sub-counties in the district.

The beneficiaries who spoke to this publication commended the Hon Member of Parliament for taking medical officers to their area for services of testing and treatment against the diseases which were affecting them.

“I thank Hon Magoola for bringing health practitioners to test and treat the illnesses which were tormenting us. I have learnt that seeking treatment before testing is risky and we shall always seek medical attention from specialists,” Ms. Nakiyemba Jamawa said.

Mr. Kimera Abdulshakuru from Bulyansime village commended Hon Magoola and said it is always difficult for them to access medical facilities given the financial constraints and other limitations and he urged the service to be conducted on routine basis citing that a number of diseases disturb them yet the capacity of accessing treatment is limited.

“We reach our heartfelt appreciation to our woman MP for bringing this medical camp. We have a number of illnesses but we delay to go to the health centers which can give help because of the financial limitations but we are always encouraged when such opportunities come our way,” Mr. Kimera said.

The exercise covered a number of villages in Igombe Sub County like; Bulyansime village, Kikubamutwe village, and Businda village, among others.