adminEdward Tapfumaneyi
A TOTAL of 165 people in Warren Park 1 received free hypertension and diabetes check-ups during the World Heart Day commemorations on Sunday.
One of the beneficiaries, 64-year-old Ephraim Dzvene, said they welcomed the initiative.
“We are happy to be receiving these services free of charge today.
“Some people cannot afford consultation fees and are thereby endangering their lives because diabetes and high blood pressure are killer diseases which attack you unknowingly.
“If they are not monitored, you might die unaware,” he said.
Sekuru and Ambuya Gwashiri welcomed the free help.
“We are thankful to the facilitators of this free medical check-up, for it has been long without being checked for high blood pressure.
“The staff were very welcoming and they have given us tips on how to stay healthy and recommended regular medical check-ups.”
Hetero Labs partnered Suburban Medical Centre in facilitating the programme.
Ethel Hungwe, the country manager for Hetero Labs, said:
“The World Heart Federation discovered that about 17 million people die every year because of high blood pressure related illnesses.
“Our aim is for the general public to know their position as far as blood pressure conditions are concerned, so that they make informed decisions in seeking further help if need be.”
Dr Challenge Marange, who rendered consultation services, was surprised by the turnout.
“It is very rare for us to seek medical attention without being seriously ill.
“Someone will be moving around with high blood pressure and not having time to be checked,” he said.
The World Heart Day is commemorated every year on September 29 and this year’s theme was “Use Heart For Every Heart”.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter