29 September 2019
At least 363 people suffering from an assortment of ailments were seen by doctors at Mondlo, near Vryheid, in their own neighbourhood - free of charge - in just one day yesterday. This is thanks to the #IsibhedlelaKubantu (Healthcare To The People), which is among a number of new, innovative and exciting programmes that are being introduced and championed by KZN Health MEC, Ms Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu
#IsibhedlelaKubantu sees a comprehensive range of healthcare services being brought to the doorstep of communities who live far from clinics and district hospitals. The concept is characterised by the arrival of teams of doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals - with big mobile clinics (trucks) in tow - which line up in a horse-shoe formation. Led by the MEC, the healthcare professionals roll up their sleeves and attend to the needs of each and every person in the queue
The services on offer include everything from optometry to dental healthcare; to cervical cancer (Pap Smears) and breast cancer screening; and check-ups for TB, HIV/AIDS and counselling and immediate treatment initiation for those who test positive.
The programme also features screening and testing for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, chronic lung disease, and indicators for impending stroke and heart disease; while the elderly are provided with spectacles, wheelchair assessments, and walking aids
“While emphasizing that people need to adhere to the Primary Health Care approach, and visit clinics as their first port of call, through #IsibhedlelaKubantu, we virtually bring the hospital smack in the middle of communities where our people live. The only service that the programme does not have is surgery,”MEC Simelane-Zulu.
The MEC announced for the first time yesterday that the package of #IsibhedlelaKubantu services will now include Human Resource Management experts from head office, who will give guidance to rural youth wishing to pursue a career in the health sciences
During her engagement with the people, the MEC urged the public to know their HIV status, and advised youth to delay their sexual debut, and for those who cannot, to use condoms to avoid sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV, and unplanned pregnancy.
She also encouraged the embracing of healthy lifestyles through regular physical exercise, and following a healthy diet free of excessive fat, sugar, and salt.
The MEC reminded those who suffer from chronic ailments across the province to enquire from their local health facilities as to how they can register under the Department’s Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme.
“This programme enables people who’ve been on chronic medication for more than six months to pick up their medication closer to home. This can be medication for ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and for those living with HIV, among others."
“The best part about it is that this medication is sealed in the same packaging, which ensures privacy and confidentiality - killing stigma and discrimination in the process, as no-one will know what medication you are collecting."
“Those who suffer from chronic ailments can pick up their medication from various public amenities, Operation Sukuma Sakhe War Rooms, and pharmacies, among others. These patients only have to come to a health facility once after three months.
“This programme saves patients a lot of time and money, and helps them avoid leaving home early to stand in long queues at hospitals and clinics. It also decongests health facilities, improving the wellbeing of staff. We would like to thank all nurses, pharmacists, doctors, patients and all others individuals who continue to contribute towards the success of this programme.”
This page last edited on
26 November, 2019
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