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MEDICAL and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe (MDPPZA) founding president, Dr Johannes Marisa, says hypertension and diabetic-related deaths are on the increase.
He urged the public to have regular check-ups.
Dr Marisa made the call during a free medical treatment outreach programme held at Mbuya Ruth Memorial 24 Hour Medical Centre and Maternity Clinic in Seke last Saturday.
His organisation partnered with Forever Association of Zimbabwe (FAZ), during the outreach programme.
“People who ignore free medical check-ups or default on taking medication are simply applying for their own deaths.
“Hypertension and diabetic-related deaths are not caused by the will of God but through negligence.
“Hypertension is a lifetime disease and once you are diagnosed with it, it will be a life challenge that one should continue taking medication for life.
“Do not be fooled by those who quit medication saying they were fully treated against it,” he said.
He warned that diabetes was also killing millions of people around the world.
“Diabetes is killing close to 5.5 million people per year globally and I now beg you to understand this clearly.
“Heart complications are killing close to 18 million people globally, followed by cancer, which is killing close to 12 million globally.
“A total of 18 million people die from illnesses like stroke while 12 million people die from cancers like cervical, breast and other cancer-related illnesses.”
He urged diabetic and hypertension patients to always have their medication with them.
“Keep your tablets with you at all times rather than die because your tablets got finished before you went back to collect more.
“Do not get fooled by charms, herbs or concoctions, you will damage your body.”
Music promoter and Chitungwiza businessman, Sylvester “Boss” Chibhanguza, also got tested at the function.
He was found with very high blood pressure.
“I thought I was healthy but I have realised that I am a hypertension patient and I now take my medication,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter