The South African government has recently initiated a new way to help pet owners who do not have enough money to pay for their healthcare needs.
New veterinary graduates are required to do a year of community service for the government after they have finished their degrees. One of the avenues this community service takes shape are mobile vets, which has taken root at the Randburg SPCA on Wednesdays from 9am to 2pm.
Veterinary science graduates Joelene Borbely and Kombo Mwamuka shed some light on the day-to-day adventures they face in their role as vets in the mobile clinic. Based in Randfontein, their main aim has been to help ‘developing farms’.
The bold winter chill was left outside as Borbely shut the door to the white van which doubles as a basic animal clinic. Mwamuka explained that the clinics on wheels are fairly new, and have been around for just over a month. The healthcare the mobile animal clinic offered was referred to as ‘preventative measures’ as the vets have limited resources.
Cynthia Swanepoel of the Randburg SPCA detailed that the mobile vets are specifically for pet owners who cannot afford. Swanepoel also elaborated that the organisation frowned upon pet owners who bring their pets to be treated by the mobile clinics who do not need to. Borbely confirmed that there was a screening process which pre-empted treatment as ‘the important thing [to remember]– it’s for people who can’t afford’.
Mwamuka recalled that last week, the mobile clinic made their way to Cosmo City and that they travel to where they are called to as well as ventured into areas which they feel could benefit from their services. The vet also mentioned that safety has become a barrier due to the vehicle’s government branding.
“We are still trying to figure out how we are going to this.”
The pair was called to treat a dog which needed their care shortly after their interview started. From a team of five, they encouraged those who fit the demographic they are in a position to help to make use of their service.
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