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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief

Gogo Bahle Ndiweni (88) was delighted to get an opportunity to access free medical services as part of the Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) five-day medical outreach programme in Matabeleland South province.

Ipec is providing medical assistance to the elderly above 55 years as well as road accident victims. 

The programme is being held in conjunction with the National Social Security Authority (Nssa), Old Mutual Life Assurance Company, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, Nyaradzo Life Assurance Company, Zimbabwe Association of Pension Funds, Life Offices Association, Minerva Risk Advisors, Mining Industry Pension Fund, Zimnat Life Assurance Company and Mpilo Central Hospital.

The outreach started on Monday in Gwanda at Nare Business Centre. It has also been conducted at Jahunda Terminus, Ntephe Business Centre and Nkashe ward centre in Gwanda. Today it is being held in Maphisa Growth Point football grounds.

“I’m glad that I was able to receive free medication here, which is something that we don’t normally get. My legs have been painful for several years and this problem is also causing my body to be painful. The doctor examined me and I also explained the pain I was experiencing. I also received free medication for the pain and BP tablets. These days when you go to hospitals it’s rare to find seasoned doctors but today I was attended to by one,” said Gogo Ndiweni during the outreach programme at Jahunda Terminus in Gwanda.

Ms Kesline Nkomo (55) from Jahunda Suburb in Gwanda said she was able to get free medication for her stomach acid problem and itchiness that she experiences all over the body.

She said she had a lengthy conversation with the doctor who enlightened her on her condition. 

Ms Nkomo said all along she has been drinking MMT tablets for her stomach acid but they have not helped much. 

“This programme helped me greatly because I received insight on my condition and how I can manage it. The doctor advised me on the diet which I need to follow in order to contain my stomach acid levels. I was able to get valuable medical assistance at no cost,” she said

Mr Jerod Ndlovu (70) from Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle area in Gwanda said he was able to get free hypertension medication and painkillers for his sore eye. He said this will help him to save a lot of money.

Ms Lindiwe Sibanda (62) from Ntephe area said the outreach has helped her access medication which she usually has to travel to Gwanda Town to access.

“We are glad that the medical teams came to us on the ground. In order to access some medical assistance such as check-ups and medication I sometimes have to travel to Gwanda Town. I take BP and sugar diabetes tablets but sometimes the medication won’t be available at the local clinic and I end up buying from pharmacies in Gwanda Town. The medication is expensive and I struggle to buy it. In order to get to town, I have to pay R50 for transport. This medical outreach programme has assisted me in a great way,” she said.

Ms Sibanda said there was need for the medical outreach programme to be held regularly as it was of great relief especially to the rural folk.

Insurance and Pensions Commission (Ipec) public relations manager, Mr Lloyd Gumbo said all the provinces will be covered under the outreach programme

“We are spearheading this medical outreach in Matabeleland South Province in collaboration with our partners as part of our corporate social responsibility. We have a team of doctors and nurses who are conducting medical consultations for the elderly from 55 years and above and road accident victims. 

“We are also dispensing medication, particularly for diseases associated with old age and for long-term injuries sustained in road accidents. All the services during the medical outreach are for free. We have started with Matabeleland South Province, but we are mobilising resources so that we can reach all provinces this year.” –@DubeMatutu