AS PART of providing free healthcare services to those in need and taking these services to communities, the Isibhedlela kubantu outreach was in KwaMashu on 31 August. The initiative was held in participation between the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and the Community Participation and Action support Unit’s North Central Region Office. 

The outreach was held at the Rotary Stadium and provided a one-stop- health approach which included free health screenings for tuberculosis (TB), HIV, noncommunicable diseases, and other auxiliary services. Through this initiative, residents also had access to x-rays, pap smears, and eye and dental care. North Region Coordinator Funisu Mzimela said as Community Participation, part of their responsibilities include bringing government services to where people are. “People received healthcare close to where they reside, and thus saved on transport fees and paying for medication,” she said. Mzimela said the initiative does not take away from what Municipal and provincial clinics offer, but instead enhances services offered to the public. 

She said a wider range of hospital services was offered as opposed to only primary healtcare services. Nombulelo Mzobe, a resident from Ward 39, was happy that the Isibhedlela kubantu initiative came to her community. “Many residents visit the Poly Clinic or the Community Health Centre in KwaMashu E-Section. The issue is that because so many people visit these clinics, the lines are long. It was nice to have access to free healthcare services. I was very pleased with how efficient the staff were, and I hope that they will return soon,” she said.