THE Government of Japan has invested R1 million in helping the homeless of Durban. The generous grant has enabled the Denis Hurley Centre (DHC) to buy a high-roof Mercedes Sprinter van and convert it into a state-of-the-art mobile clinic/ambulance.
The vehicle has been in use for a few months but on Thursday, 22 August there was be a formal handover by representatives of the Japanese Embassy at the DHC. Also present was Wilfrid Cardinal Napier, Chair of the DHC Patrons, and other local government, community and faith leaders.
“We are delighted to be able to support the valuable work which the DHC does. This donation is part of our ongoing commitment to uplift the community in South Africa,” said Arima Sumie, Diplomat at the Embassy of Japan in South Africa.
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The vehicle is used to provide life-saving healthcare to homeless people on the streets of Durban. Ruth Birtwhistle, clinic co-ordinator explained: “We provide early intervention primary healthcare which often prevents a small problem becoming a larger one. We also test for HIV and TB to enable homeless people to take control of their lives and their health.”
The Denis Hurley Centre has provided healthcare on the streets of Durban for five years. Prior to receiving the mobile clinic staff from the centre would dispense services from a tent pitched at the side of the road.
Raymond Perrier, Director of the DHC commented: “Everything we do is focused on treating people with dignity and helping them restore their self-respect. Being able to examine homeless patients in clean and modern conditions with privacy and sensitivity means that we are treating people the way we would want to be treated ourselves. We are immensely grateful to the Embassy of Japan and our other donors for making this possible.”
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