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Beneficiaries of the health and wellness checks being conducted in Masvingo City by PSMAS have commended the service as a welcome development in helping communities stay healthy.
Hundreds of people in the city, a majority of whom are civil servants on PSMAS have so far benefited from the hypertension, diabetes, cervical cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer screenings as well as health education.
In an interview yesterday, one of the beneficiaries Mr Tauyanarwo Makuza applauded the initiative saying it encourages individuals to make informed lifestyle health decisions.
He said by nature Zimbabweans’ health seeking behaviour was low unless someone is sick.
“It is very rare for someone to walk into a health facility when they are well. We tend to visit health institutions only when we are sick. We therefore applaud PSMAS for bringing this service close to the people and emphasising that health and wellness checks are key to prevention of diseases,” said Mr Makuza.
Another beneficiary Mr Tinashe Muchinjiri urged PSMAS to consider health and wellness checks as a routine service on their annual calendar and spread them to the rest of the country.
“This is a noble initiative, which must be routine and spread across the country as it goes a long way in helping the nation stay healthy,” he said.
PSMAS is offering this service through its Premier Lifestyle programme, whose mandate is to promote healthy living among PSMAS members through prevention, early detection and disease self-management. This service is offered to all PSMAS members free of charge, regardless of plan one is on as complementary for being on PSMAS medical aid.
PSMAS director for Managed Care Dr Munyaradzi Mujuru said since the beginning of the year, PSMAS has so far conducted general health screenings for over 10 000 members, 600 cervical cancer screenings, 400 prostate cancer screenings and 500 breast cancer screenings.
The society has also conducted health and wellness programme for 15 of its member organisations, which include the Public Service Commission and various other Government departments in more than 10 cities and towns.
“This week, we are in Masvingo where we are offering general wellness screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cervical cancer screening, breast examination, prostate cancer screening, BMI and health education. Our target is to reach out to at least 2 000 people in Masvingo with our services,” said Dr Mujuru.
He said similar activities are lined up for the year with other member organisations to ensure all PSMAS members stay healthy.
“We call upon the Masvingo community to take advantage of the opportunity to get free health checks on offer. Early detection is critical in the prevention and management of chronic conditions,” he said.
Dr Mujuru said those tested positive on any of the diseases are being referred for further management.
Online Reporter