Norwood residents hold a successful health screening initiative
NORWOOD – Many women had their blood pressure and glucose tests done – free of charge.
In celebration of Women’s Day, Norwood residents were visited by MMC for the Department of Health Dr Mpho Phalatse as well as medical practitioners who administered various health tests.
The day was organised by the Norwood Women’s Business Forum to enable all residents in the Johannesburg north-eastern suburbs to get tested since there is no health facility operating in the area. The much-awaited Orchard Clinic is still under construction and most patients who require medical services have to travel as far as Alexandra, Hillbrow or Yeoville clinics which spurred on this initiative.
Read: Plastic: The health impact of microplastics in tap water is unknown as yet
A soccer match between Norwood Young Stars ladies team and Joburg United FC also formed part of the Women’s Day celebrations, with United coming out victorious on the day.
Phalatse addressed the women about health and lifestyle issues while medical practitioners from various health institutions were available to administer tests on blood pressure, HIV/Aids as well as other health conditions.
Sharon Mtshali, PR and Communications Officer of the forum, said they had a successful celebration at the Norwood Park. She added that the event was well attended and that many of the women queued to get their blood pressure (BP) and glucose tested. “These were the most dominant tests because we saw a lot of older women queuing to know their BPs and glucose status.
“The idea is to host such events as often as we can, especially health screenings considering that we currently don’t have a clinic and most of our community members need to go to neighbouring clinics to access health services.”
Mtshali said that this should be done not only on Women’s Day but all the time in order to assist the community by bringing services closer to them until the Orchards Clinic is operational.
A mobile clinic was expected to come through to administer the tests but councillor Eleanor Huggett said,
“Unfortunately we couldn’t get the services of a mobile clinic but the MMC has promised to find out if it is possible to have it occasionally in the area. She, however, said there are areas which desperately need it and, in our area it is not really needed compared to others.
“According to my colleague, Ward 73 councillor David Fisher, Orchards Clinic is earmarked for opening in February next year, so, people don’t have to wait much longer to access health services.”
Huggett also advised residents to continue using neighbouring clinics to access the services.
Details: Sharon Mtshali 073 583 5493.
Tell us how you celebrated your Women’s Day by posting on the North Eastern Tribune Facebook page.
