‘SDA’ church practices what it preaches

The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church comes bearing good news for residents as it launches a free Health and Wellness Screening Clinic, which is situated in the heart of Sunninghill.

The free, non-profit, highly skilled health and wellness clinic, supported by Good Samaritan donors, intends to offer free healthcare services to people with no medical aid and those who are in desperate need for the service.

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The clinic is an extension of the church’s social responsibility initiatives, and is aimed at providing access to high-end basic health care that community members in need would otherwise not be able to afford.

Dr Nonhlanhla Mbenenge, who is the health ministry leader at the church, said as a church and members of the community they are honoured to be able to serve the community with their skills – with the comprehension of how hard it is to access quality healthcare in the country without medical aid, which many cannot afford.

“It is important to note that at the core of the healthcare challenges that exist in our communities is the education gap around the importance of regular screening and early detection – which can help alleviate an overabundance of chronic illnesses – or help manage them better through early diagnosis.”

The screening services that will be offered at the clinic include the testing of blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, urine analysis for diabetics, weight and BMI monitoring, fitness assessment, health education and awareness, as well as medical counselling using the medical specialist associated with the clinic.

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This means residents will have access to medical professionals across fields of medical sciences, non-medical professional members and trained medical missionaries. The medical skills comprise of licensed medical doctors in general practice, medical specialists in the field of nuclear radiology, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology, virology and HIV management and other associated specialists in the field of medicine.

Additionally, there are allied health care professionals, such as pharmacists, social workers, and medical missionaries trained in using natural remedies to assist the body in healing inflammation and natural health education, as well as registered nurses and psychologists – making this a tiered wellness centre with a wealth of medical muscle, according to Dr Mbenenge.

Pastor Oetla Simankane from SDA added that serving the community is at the heart of their faith. He said the inspiration for this initiative is the perspective of the Bible on wellness, particularly in the third book of John 1:2.

He quoted, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. He added that although this is a faith project, the church intends to appreciate the Good Samaritan donors who have got them this far and especially the professionals that volunteer their skills and time.

“Qualifying community members – those without medical aid – can visit the clinic every Sunday except on a long weekend from 09:00 to 12:00 at the Sandton Seventh-day Adventist Church, which is located at 2 Malindi Road, Sunninghill. It is a walk-in service – no reservations or appointments required.”

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