Just what the doctor ordered: Ekhaya offers free health checks

RESIDENTS of Galeshewe and other parts of Kimberley will have the opportunity to receive a free medical check-up tomorrow when Ekhaya Private Hospital hosts its first Health Intact Day.

The initiative forms part of the private hospital’s 30-day opening celebration. Ekhaya, the first private hospital in Galeshewe, officially opened its doors on February 8, 2024.

Ekhaya’s spokesperson, Mercia Mbayimbayi, said the event aims to promote the importance of early detection among residents.

“We have heard so many times that prevention is better than cure. However, most people will only visit the doctor or go for a medical check-up once they are sick. We want to encourage people to prioritise their health and not only seek medical care once they are diagnosed with an illness or when they can no longer recover from an illness,” she said.

Mbayimbayi added that a range of free medical services will be available to the community throughout the day.

“We will have medical staff on site who will conduct medical assessments and vital checks, such as blood pressure and cholesterol testing. We will also have an occupational therapist, a social worker and a physiotherapist on site.

“We know that many of our youth are struggling with mental health issues. They will have an opportunity to have a free counselling session where they can share those challenges with a therapist. People do not see the importance of mental health and having access to expert help, but it is just as important as treating a physical illness.

“There are also many community members who are struggling with substance abuse and might not know where to seek help. We will have experts who will be able to assist and share advice on these matters.”

Mbayimbayi noted, however, that no medication would be prescribed during the event.

“We are aiming to assist about 200 people. We will only conduct assessments. Should a patient be diagnosed with an illness they might not have been aware of, we will give them a referral letter.

“Not everyone who will come to the Health Intact Day will have access to medical aid. Patients with no medical aid will be supplied with a referral letter for their nearest clinic or Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital, where they will be able to receive medical assistance.”

She concluded by emphasising that the main goal of the event is to promote preventative care within the community.

“We are envisioning hosting this programme annually. We not only want to show community members what medical services they can access at Ekhaya, but it is also our way of showing that we care about the health of the community where we are situated.”