- Ikhwezi Community Clinic and Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso visited Pholile informal settlement on Friday 23 August to provide free health service.
- The initiative aimed to bring health services closer to the community, addressing barriers such as lack of transportation.
- The event was well-received by residents, who praised the clinic for providing quick and brilliant service.
In an effort to bring the services closer to the people, Ikhwezi Community Clinic and Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso visited Pholile informal settlement on Friday 23 August to render free health services.
Among others, residents were tested for HIV, TB and high blood pressure. They also received pap smear, family planning, deworming and immunisation.
Ikhwezi manager Susan Stewart described the event as a special day for the community. She said they aim to bring services closer. “We noticed that most people don’t visit health facilities for various reasons which include not having taxi fare. Others look after the children or are just lazy,” she said.
Stewart expressed satisfaction with the turnout and urged the residents to take care of their lives.
She appealed to men to regularly visit health care facilities, saying women mostly seek their services.
“Males are reluctant to come to the clinics and we don’t know why. Most of them come at a later stage, while women are always visiting clinics. It’s either they (women) come for contraception or come with the children for immunisation or come with their parents. But most of the time women are always the majority in the public clinics,” she said.
Resident Nomapha Qotoyi praised the clinic for bringing great services. She said it is not easy to go to the clinic because it is always full.
“I came here for a pap smear. The service was brilliant and quick. I wish they can come here every month,” she said. She urged people to use such initiatives.
Diniso urged the community to take such opportunities. He said it is vital for people to always examine their bodies.
“People must make it fashionable to visit health facilities to examine their bodies. They must resist visiting hospitals or clinics only when they feel a pain in their bodies.
“They can go to a doctor and ask for a check-up. We brought the services closer to them because we want them to be assisted,” said Diniso.
