Free medical checkups for taxi drivers
The ‘Fight for good health’ campaign aims to give taxi drivers free medical checkups on an ongoing basis.
KwaThema – Medical practitioners set up a check station at Duduza Rank on Friday, in efforts to reach out to taxi drivers.
Smiso Mvelase says he has been a taxi driver for six years, and he never has time to go for medical check-ups.
“I am truly grateful that they have come to us today, instead of us having to go to the clinic and stand in long queues.
“I discovered that my blood pressure is a bit high, and I need to take care of that.”
Medico Legal Services, from Tsakane Crisis centre, in partnership with Ubuhlebamadoda Men’s Forum, hosted the ‘Fighting for good health’ campaign.
Bafana Masinga, of the men’s forum, says the campaign should be an ongoing project.
“We need to consider the fact that some of our drivers could be causing accidents because of poor eyesight, or any other help issues.
“By bringing them these facilities, we could be saving many lives.”
The practitioners offered testing of the eyes, blood pressure, blood sugar and HIV/Aids at the rank.
The services were also available to commuters.
Portia Nonqola, who was just passing by and decided to take advantage of the opportunity, had her eyes tested.
“This is the first time I have had my eyes tested, and I want my son to come and get tested too.”
Sister Kate Skosana, the head of Tsakane Care Centre, says they are impressed with the number of people that made use of the services.
“As soon as we were done setting up, people started approaching us.
“I just hope that they will follow up at their local clinics on all the advice we gave them.”
