In a significant move aimed at bridging healthcare gaps in Turkana County, Tophill Hospital held a high-impact corporate health seminar in Lodwar, bringing together key public and private stakeholders to champion preventive healthcare and mental wellness. The event, held on Wednesday, focused on equipping participants with vital knowledge on lifestyle diseases, physical wellness, mental health, and reproductive health — with a strong emphasis on community-centered solutions.
Leading the seminar was Tophill Hospital CEO and lead surgeon, Dr. Florentius Koech, who passionately advocated for a paradigm shift from curative to preventive healthcare. “We were here today in Lodwar to engage with government and private sector stakeholders, teaching them the importance of taking care of their health. As health professionals, we are tired of treating preventable diseases. Prevention is the key to disease control,” Dr. Koech stated.
He emphasized that many of the lifestyle diseases being diagnosed, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and back pain, can be avoided with informed daily habits. “We talked about the importance of proper sitting posture, the types of chairs that are good for the back, and the need for regular exercise. We also highlighted the dangers of smoking and other harmful habits,” he added.
Dr. Koech also addressed reproductive and mental health, noting that many workers are silently struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression — issues that, if unaddressed, could lead to tragic outcomes such as suicide. “Mental health is a serious concern. As a society, we must prioritize the emotional well-being of our workers and families,” he said, urging workplaces to create supportive environments and open channels for mental health conversations.
Dr. Moshe, a gynecologist from Tophill Hospital, said the hospital's broader agenda is to foster a lasting partnership between public and private health sectors. “This collaboration is about bringing quality healthcare closer to the people,” he said.
The seminar received strong backing from local leadership, with Festus Lerugoi, Personal Assistant to the Governor of Turkana County, expressing deep appreciation for the initiative. “We have learned a lot, especially preventive measures to manage lifestyle diseases. We encourage Tophill Hospital to establish a branch here in Turkana so that our residents can receive world-class services at home. It will also ease the burden of constant referrals to Eldoret,” said Lerugoi.
Also present was Michael Ekitela, Secretary-General of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Turkana Branch, who commended Tophill Hospital for reaching out to educators and civil servants. “As teachers, we often neglect our health due to demanding schedules. Many of us have had to travel to Eldoret for services. A local facility would be a game changer,” Ekitela remarked.
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