adminTHE recent initiative by Citimed Chitungwiza Hospital to offer free health services to less privileged residents makes for some good reading.
Last weekend, the health institution, in partnership with Rotary International and other stakeholders, brought smiles to Chitungwiza residents when they offered free health services.
The residents welcomed the initiative and turned up in numbers.
The exercise, which included tests for hypertension, diabetes, prostate and cervical cancer, came at a time when most patients are struggling to meet their medical bills.
The tests will go a long way in assisting patients to get medication on time as well as adjusting their lifestyles.
Some of the residents have discovered health problems which they have been neglecting for years.
After the tests, it is our hope that the residents will now learn to live positively and avoid recklessness.
The good thing about the exercise is that it was held on a voluntary basis and the people showed that they prioritise their health.
It’s dangerous for people to remain in the dark about their health status.
It’s also unfortunate that we have some people who are dying in silence because they fear the unknown.
There is also good news that the exercise will be taken to Mbare next week and will also be extended countrywide.
This shows that Rotary International, and various stakeholders, are committed towards changing people’s lives.
Such exercises require partnerships and sponsorship to reach out to as many people as possible.
This is the right time for partners to come on board and help in this drive.
Other health institutions should also take a cue from Citimed Chitungwiza Hospital, who are now changing people’s lives.
Giving back to society defines Ubuntu.
Research has shown that hypertension, diabetes, prostate and cervical cancer, can be managed once detected early. Most people prefer getting tested for these and other diseases when they are critically ill.
Procrastination of getting tested should never be allowed to happen.
Losing lives to diseases which are manageable is totally unacceptable.
People should always prioritise their health.
Cooperation is also needed from people when such outreach pro-grammes are held in their area.
After all, free services will be offered where one simply needs to attend such programmes and be assisted.
People should desist from the culture of seeking health services when they are seriously ill.
There is also no harm in consulting such medical practitioners, who are offering free medical services, on how best to manage their condition.
As advised by medical practitioners, people who are diagnosed with new diseases should stick to taking their medication religiously.
Defaulting medication can be costly, especially when they get ill or come under attack.
All this free health advice is being offered by these medical practitioners who are working together with Rotary International and other stakeholders.
Medical practitioners offering free health services need to be complimented in their outreach programmes, meant to change people’s lives.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter