adminArron Nyamayaro
A MEDICAL doctor has warned people not to take drugs being sold on the streets and to always consider their health as their number one priority.
Dr Challenge Marange said this on Sunday at the Chayo Medical Centre, which is under the Zvimba District, during an awareness campaign on drug and substance abuse.
Five medical doctors provided free treatment and medical check-ups and the clinic provided free medicines to a number of patients drawn from Splitzcorp, Glaudina, Dzivarasekwa and Kuwadzana communities.
“We are here to urge people to desist from buying medicines being sold by bogus medical practitioners and drug dealers,” said Dr Marange. We urge patients to take drugs after consulting medical doctors at clinics, hospitals and registered surgeries only.
“If you buy tablets from the streets, you are risking your life because all medicines must be kept at certain room temperatures, safe and within the period they are supposed to be used.
“Street medical practitioners are there to take your money and put your life at risk.”
He added:
“Let us all respect our marriages, ourselves by avoiding temptations like unprotected sex, prostitution as well as early marriages.
“Today we are providing our services for free as a way of preserving life in our communities. We want to prevent sickness and diseases since prevention is better than cure.”
One of the patients, only identified as Gogo Nyakurwa, hailed the medical centre for bringing medical doctors to their doorsteps.
“We want to thank you for giving us free treatment and check-ups. It has been a big challenge to walk from Splitzcorp to the nearest clinic and it is a pleasure to find medical doctors at our doorsteps,” said Gogo Nyakurwa.
Zvimba District Pharmacist, Aaron Kujinga, was among the health officials who attended to the patients.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter