A Kenyan gynaecologist, Dr. Dennis Mureithi, has received international recognition for his innovative work in improving access to women’s healthcare.

Dr. Mureithi was awarded the Emerging Country Scholarship by the American Association of Gynaecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), a prestigious honour that acknowledges his dedication to advancing minimally invasive gynaecological care in developing countries.

Through his social enterprise, The Hem Practice (THP), founded in 2021, and its groundbreaking “Lap on Wheels” program, Dr. Mureithi is changing how women in underserved areas receive gynaecological care.

This mobile surgical unit brings advanced laparoscopic procedures, typically only available in expensive urban hospitals, directly to patients in peri-urban and rural communities.

Addressing Critical Healthcare Gaps

Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique, offers numerous advantages over traditional open surgery, including reduced blood loss, lower infection risk, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. However, access to these benefits has been severely limited for many women in East Africa.

1. Specialist Shortages: A significant lack of skilled gynaecologists in rural areas is a major obstacle.
2. Equipment Limitations: Access to specialised laparoscopic equipment is often restricted due to resource constraints in many hospitals.
3. High Costs: The prohibitive cost of laparoscopic procedures in urban hospitals (around Sh350,000) forces many women to opt for less effective and more invasive open surgeries, which can cost around Sh80,000.

Dr. Mureithi’s “Lap on Wheels” program directly addresses these challenges. Since its establishment in 2021, the mobile surgical unit has successfully performed over 500 laparoscopic procedures in public, mission, and low-cost private hospitals.

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These procedures are either offered free of charge or at significantly subsidised rates, making high-quality gynaecological care accessible and affordable for women who previously lacked such options.

Impacting Lives and Empowering Communities

Dr. Mureithi’s initiative is not just about providing medical care; it’s about empowering women and improving their overall well-being. By increasing access to safe and effective gynaecological procedures, “Lap on Wheels” is helping to:

1. Reduce maternal mortality and morbidity: By addressing conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and ectopic pregnancies, the program contributes to better maternal health outcomes.
2. Improve women’s quality of life: By addressing the physical and emotional burdens associated with gynaecological conditions, “Lap on Wheels” helps women lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
3. Strengthen healthcare systems: The program demonstrates the potential of innovative approaches to deliver quality healthcare in resource-limited settings.

The Impact of Lap of Wheels:

1. Over 500 successful laparoscopic procedures: The mobile unit has already made a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of women.
2. Restoring hope and dignity: Many women who previously struggled with infertility have been able to conceive after undergoing laparoscopic procedures to address underlying conditions. Others have found relief from debilitating conditions like heavy bleeding, significantly improving their quality of life.
3. Empowering healthcare professionals: Lap of Wheels has not only provided vital care to patients but also significantly strengthened the capacity of local healthcare systems. The program has trained over 50 healthcare professionals in laparoscopic techniques, enhancing their skills and improving patient care across the region.
4. Expanding access: The initiative has successfully introduced laparoscopy in 43 hospitals across 30 towns in 10 counties, bringing advanced care to previously underserved communities.

A Story of Hope:

Dr. Mureithi poignantly recounts the case of a patient who experienced excessively heavy menstrual bleeding. This woman faced immense physical and emotional distress, often resorting to sitting in a basin to manage her periods due to the sheer volume of blood and the financial constraints of purchasing enough sanitary pads.

Through the Lap of Wheels program, this woman received the necessary treatment, restoring her dignity and allowing her to live a normal life.

According to the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (Tanzania) alumnus, the award will play a crucial role in enhancing the hospital’s capacity to provide high-quality healthcare.

“This recognition will be instrumental in empowering more local doctors through knowledge exchange with their American counterparts,” he stated. “We have received numerous enquiries from American doctors eager to contribute to our capacity-building efforts, benefiting both our doctors and the hospitals within our network.”

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Looking Ahead

THP aims to increase its fleet of mobile medical units from the current one to three within the next year. This expansion will pave the way for the establishment of a groundbreaking medical centre in Thika town, Kiambu County.

This innovative facility will offer comprehensive training and medical consulting services, encompassing a range of procedures such as endometriosis ultrasounds, hysteroscopy (endoscopy of the uterus), and vaginoscopy.

By the end of 2025, the centre is set to evolve into a fully operational day surgery centre, equipped with a state-of-the-art laparoscopic theatre. This advanced facility will enable the hospital to handle more complex procedures and provide invaluable hands-on training opportunities for healthcare professionals.

Dr. Mureithi emphasised the significant financial benefits this centre will bring to patients. “Laparoscopy allows us to perform procedures that would typically require hospitalisation as day procedures, significantly reducing the overall cost,” he explained.

This expansion signifies a momentous step forward for THP, promising enhanced healthcare access and improved patient outcomes for the community.

Dr. Mureithi’s recognition by the AAGL is a testament to his dedication and the transformative impact of his work. His “Lap on Wheels” program serves as an inspiring example of how innovation and social entrepreneurship can address critical healthcare needs and improve the lives of women in underserved communities.