An appreciation written personally by the Late Brig(Rtd)Dr.L.N.Nyakeri in November 2008.We his family hope AFMIS receive this as daddy did not get to deliver it as he had planned……………………………………………………………………………………
Congratulations to the Armed Forces Medical Insurance Scheme (AFMIS)
Background
Sir, allow me to congratulate the Armed Forces Medical Scheme for carrying out the burden of paying medical bills of the retired military personnel and their immediate dependants.
It is well known that those aspiring to join the Armed Forces must undergo medical and physical fitness examinations and those who pass and meet other necessary requirements are indeed taken (enrolled) and soon start their training. After training they are posted to various units of the Army, Air Force and Navy.
While in service, medical examination is carried out annually on every individual and if an individual is found with a medical problem he or she is put on treatment and advised accordingly. As years go by the human body undergoes a gradual process of wear and tear as a result of ageing and chronic diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus, High Blood Pressure, Tuberculosis and even serious injuries to the body caused by serious accidents. These are some of the many problems which face some of the retired military personnel because they do not have enough resources to meet their high medical bills and other commitments.
Personal Experience
I joined the Armed Forces when I was medically and physically fit. As time went by during my annual medical examinations I was found to be suffering from metabolic disorder, namely Diabetes Mellitus. I was put on treatment and advised accordingly and continued to perform my duties. This is a disease one has to live with and it gradually damages body organs.
In August 1992, it suddenly caused bleeding in the left eye for which I underwent operation in the United Kingdom, six months later the right eye developed the same and an operation was performed. In May 2000, bleeding recurred and an operation was done in India. In October 2000, another operation was done at the Kenyatta National Hospital. I had already developed High Blood Pressure as a complication of Diabetes Mellitus although I was on treatment. (Daddy also underwent a laiser eye surgery in Kikuyu eye Hospital).
In October 2005, hell broke loose, Kidney failure developed and I was admitted in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), M.P.Shah for Haemodialysis. I submitted my application to the Chief of the General Staff to be covered by the AFMIS and it was approved. My life was saved! I have been on Dialysis since then as it is my life line. (Daddy faithfully underwent dialysis thrice a week).Many thanks to you Sir.
Advice
Following what I have gone through, I would like to advise and encourage military personnel to become members of this life saving scheme because of its benefits after retirement.
Finally, the Nyakeri Family sincerely thanks you for approving the application. I also thank the officers who are handling my bills. I have decided to write directly to you because I know no any other way to pass my feeling to you.
Sir may the Almighty God grant you good health, knowledge and wisdom as you carry out your noble responsibilities.
Yours faithfully,
Brigadier (Rtd) Dr.L.N.Nyakeri, (MBS)
Former Chief of Medical Services.
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SPECIAL LEGACY (write up assisted by Dr.Brig(rtd)Waweru Mathu...Thanks Doc)
Dr.Brig(rtd)Nyakeri EBS was very much involved in the postgraduate training and specialization of Medical doctors in the Armed Forces.He was in-charge of setting up of the nursing school in the Forces.
He ensured decentralization of medical services and drug units from Nbi to various units countrywide.He also prides in the setting up the dental unit within the Forces.
Daktari pioneered the training of medical interns in various specialities in the Forces ie Drs,Lab techs,radiographers and dental techs.
He finally set up specialised medical clinics outside Nbi.Brig. shall remain honoured for the general improvement of the A Forces Med Services indeed.
Post-retirement he underwent haemodialysis in MPShah & the torture of separation from his wife Rachel (in Kitale)for long periods was immense and he decided to negotiate with the Forces to extend its medical cover to Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret.With Dr.M.Twahir(Nairobi)and Dr.Anjichi(Eldoret) this was achieved.Several families now access better health care.Mediheal Hospital was his final resting place.May God Rest his soul in eternal peace.Amen.
