County Assembly calls for free medical services for epilepsy patients. The County Assembly has made a call to the County Executive, through the Department of Health Services, to establish a comprehensive database of all epileptic cases in the County.
The Honorable Members also asked that free medical services be provided to patients with epilepsy. During a session in the House today, Hon. Grace Mwathi (Bahati) read out a statement indicating that a majority of families affected by epilepsy are from low-income backgrounds and do not have access to affordable healthcare.
The statement further highlighted that a significant number of children with epilepsy are at risk of developing behavioural or mental health problems, including attention deficit, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, aggression, and an autism spectrum disorder. This, in turn, can lead to low self-esteem.
Hon. Mwathi noted that it is important for individuals with epilepsy to receive treatment drugs immediately upon diagnosis to control seizures and improve their quality of life.
The call by the County Assembly comes as a relief to families affected by epilepsy in the County, who have been struggling to access medical care due to financial constraints.
The establishment of a comprehensive database and the provision of free medical services will go a long way in ensuring that patients with epilepsy receive the care they need to lead healthy lives.