Africa-Press – Botswana. Maun Medical Outreach initiative has been hailed a success after attracting over 1000 people from Maun and surrounding for medical consultations on Saturday.
The outreach initiative organised by the office of the MP for Maun West Mr Dumelang Saleshando brought to residents; paediatricians, dentists, dermatologists, physicians, OB Gynaecologists, obstetricians, dieticians among others.
Speaking in an interview Mr Saleshando said the turn up was high due to the fact that government health facilities were already overwhelmed with patients hence the initiative was an opportunity for residents to consult private practitioners at no cost.
He said the initiative was meant to encourage Maun residents to make it a habit to consult different specialists and check their sugar levels, blood pressure, eyes, oral health even when one did not feel sick.
He said the attendance exceeded their expectations adding that such response motivated them to conduct more medical outreach programmes.
He stated that a health outreach required a suitable venue, equipment and medical expertise, adding that with support from stakeholders it was possible to hold more outreach even at village levels.
He further highlighted that Ngamiland District Health Management Team had played a big role in supporting the event by bringing their services, doctors and nurses to consult with the public.
Mr Saleshando thanked the private medical practitioners in Maun for providing a free service to Maun residents, adding that many people could not afford some these services without medical aid cover.
Ngamiland DHMT principal dietician Ms Letlhogonono Gabanamotse said Maun medical outreach was important in that Non-Communicable Diseases were rampant in the district.
She said some patients did not come to clinics for consultations and check-ups.
She stated that the programme had helped them reach many people who were not even aware their health status needed attention. She said people with high/low blood pressure and unstable sugar levels were referred for further consultations.
Ms Gabanamotse explained that one key component in fighting NCDs was a proper diet which she said many people tended to take for granted hence said one of their key focus was to educate people on the importance of healthy diet.
One of the attendees Ms Kedireng Mmarampho commended the programme noting that at times people were reluctant to go to hospital even when they felt sick because of long queues.
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