Foundation plans nationwide free health services

Pini Bothoko | Tuesday August 5, 2014 12:08

The foundation invited around 60 health personnel specialising in diabetes, oral health, colon cancer and kidney problems to provide comprehensive screening for common causes of morbidity and mortality. They were backed by facilities and experts from Bokamoso Private Hospital, Diagnofirm, Tebelopele VTC and others. The infirm, visually impaired, the deaf and those in wheelchairs came as early as possible to grab the front seat to be attended by specialists, some of whom came from South Africa. Residents waited patiently for their turn despite the high numbers.

One of the Health First Foundation trustees, Thapelo Olopeng said that they want to raise awareness in the community for the need to prioritise health and to optimally access and utilise existing public and private health care facilities. He disclosed that the foundation would be offering free medical services countrywide, mostly to the elderly and the needy.

He said that very soon, they intend to open branches all over the country with a mobile clinic to serve in remote areas. “Our mobile clinics will be visiting people in various areas from 7am to 1pm as some doctors have volunteered to offer medical services free of charge. Our intention is to provide telemedicine in our mobile clinics,” he said. He said they are holding discussions to open a private clinic at Marina Hospital and Block 7 in Gaborone. In other areas, they will provide a mobile clinic with a dispensary and lab.

Meanwhile, Tonota residents were tested for all kinds of diseases and given advice on how to stay healthy.

Dr Gontle Moleele educated the people on diabetes, its symptoms and how it can be prevented. She advised residents to visit the nearest clinics if they regularly get thirsty, too fatigued or urinate too much. She said diabetes is easy to manage if it is detected early.

Dr Lesedinyana Odiseng who runs a medical care company called Moso Clinics talked about the importance of exercise and how it can be done at home.