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Rejoice Makoni Herald Correspondent
Hundreds of people from Chitungwiza and nearby communities received free medical check-ups and treatment sponsored by Rotary International during the family health days held at Citimed Hospital on Friday last week.
The programme was held from Thursday to Friday and will be held in Mbare this week and in Bulawayo next week.
People were offered diabetes testing, blood pressure check-ups, eye screening, doctor consultation and treatments free of charge.
Country coordinator for the programme Sam Chikowore said the programme was being rolled out in Zimbabwe for the first time.
“Some of the services to be provided include hypertension tests, diabetes, prostate and cervical cancer screening and eye screening. We are also looking at the infants and elderly as it is a family initiative” he said.
“We want to make this an annual event where we provide health to our communities, but it would be our desire going forward that we take this kind of service to the remote areas of Zimbabwe where health services are not readily available.
GPEI coordinator Dr Khalid Abdulrahim said the aim of the programme was to provide free testing and treatment for chronic illnesses such as blood pressure and diabetes.
“The programme will in future be held in rural areas to make sure that no one is left behind. It’s a very good initiative of trying to reach the under-served communities and reach populations with very limited access to health services” he said.
“We really appreciate the Rotary Club here in Zimbabwe for doing these kinds of activities.”
Residents who received free medical assistance thanked the Rotary International for the gesture.
“I am happy that I have received a free check-up and treatment for diabetes here at Citimed Hospital. This is a good programme and I pray that those who initiated the programme of free medication will not end here but rather be extended to other communities” said Mrs Laina Katiyo of Chitungwiza.
Gogo Rupiya from St Mary’s said words could not express enough her gratitude to the funders of the programme.
“I am happy that I have managed to have my sugar levels checked for free and I was given free medication” she said.
Blessing Chidemo of Zengeza who had come with his father applauded Rotary International for such an initiative that helped communities in a big way.
Online Reporter