Online Reporter
Sekai Manyere
Herald Correspondent
Public transport drivers operating from Simon Muzenda Rank in Harare received free medical screening today as part of efforts to improve road safety by ensuring that drivers are physically and mentally fit to operate passenger vehicles.
The health outreach programme, organised in partnership with Replete Care and transport operators, offered blood pressure and diabetes screening, general medical examinations, counselling on drug and substance abuse, and sexual and reproductive health awareness.
According to available statistics, at least 92 percent of road traffic accidents are attributed to human error, underscoring the importance of initiatives that promote the health and wellbeing of drivers.
Speaking during the programme, Zimbabwe union of Drivers and Conductors vice-chairman Mr Modekai Mutema said regular medical examinations were essential because many drivers rarely had time to seek healthcare.
“We need drivers who are physically and mentally fit,” he said.
“There are diseases that require health specialists to detect early. It is important for us as transport providers to ensure our drivers are regularly checked because the lives of passengers are in their hands.”
Mr Mutema said public servivce drivers work long hours which often prevents them from visiting health facilities.
“They start work very early and finish late. Most only visit health facilities when they are seriously ill, which is why programmes like this are critical,” he said.
Replete Care chief executive Mrs Janet Mandara said the outreach was designed to reduce health-related risks that could contribute to road traffic accidents.
“We have brought together doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers who are conducting diabetes screening, blood pressure tests and other medical examinations,” she said.
Mrs Mandara said the programme also sought to raise awareness of the dangers of drug and substance abuse, which remains a growing concern among road users.
“We are also providing health education and distributing condoms as part of efforts to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections,” she said.
Drivers welcomed the initiative, saying it enabled them to assess their health without interrupting their work schedules.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Trevor Ngonidzashe, said regular health checks would improve both driver wellbeing and passenger safety.
“It is important for us to know our health status because our wellbeing affects the safety of our passengers. We should maintain good health and continue to drive safely,” he said.
