Mobile unit a boost to ‘drive’ early detection

LAST month, PinkDrive, in partnership with the Department of Social Development (DSD) launched two mobile women and child Health Units in the form of Nissan taxis donated by the Embassy of Japan. The two women’s cancer health units, affectionately known as Shobu (Japanese Iris) and Sakura (Cherry Blossom), will offer cervical cancer screening in the form of pap smears, clinical breast examinations and education to address breast cancer and basic infant services, to the medically uninsured.

Janice Benecke, the KZN administrator for the NPO said the units ties back to PinkDrive’s motto that ‘Early Detection of Disease can save a Life.’

According to Benecke, the new additions to PinkDrive’s fleet were made possible by funding from the Embassy of Japan in South Africa.

“For us, mobility is key so to be able to get around to various areas taking our message of early detection being key,” she explained.

In other news: UKZN’s pet bereavement policy lauded

“These mobile units are such a boon for us here in KZN. I’ve beaten cancer and gone through chemotherapy, so I understand the process a patient undergoes. For me this is not a job for me, it’s my passion. With these mobile units we are able to offer free breast examinations and a limited amount of pap smears. This is for the community’s benefit,” the local resident said.

Founder and CEO of PinkDrive, Noelene Kotschan said the launch of the units is again an affirmation of the services which they provide to the medically uninsured in South Africa.

“I can proudly say that at PinkDrive, our first priority is the patients and the communities that we serve, and these additional units will assist us to go beyond our current reach. We hope that our contribution in the KZN region will make a positive impact on communities and the cancer space.” said founder and CEO of PinkDrive, Noelene Kotschan.

For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram