By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – Hundreds of community members from Makwane and surrounding areas gathered at Letseng sports ground where to access primary health services on Tuesday this week.
Manthabeleng Sebitsa (50) from Pereng is one of the community members who took advantage of the outreach programme that was aimed at bringing health services closer to the people.
In an interview with this publication, Sebitsa said she had used this opportunity to have a pap smear because the service is not offered at the local clinic.
“I came here to have my pap smear because our clinic is unable to assist us; they do not have pap smear testing tools. I am relieved that I will be able to get this life saving service.”
Another community member, Charles Tshabangu, said he had attended the event so he could get his eyes checked.
“I came here because we were told that we are going to get a variety of health services. I want them to check my eyes.”
Department of health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said the purpose of taking health care services to the people is to ensure that they receive comprehensive health care services.
Community member gathering at Makwane for health services.
“We are here as part of our department’s initiative to take health services to the people. Many health MEC’s that came before Mme Mathabo Leeto have also done similar programmes, but what I like about our MEC is that she places emphasis on taking health services to the people.
“This means she is not limiting the initiative to primary health services only, but she also includes specialized health and medical services. She sees a need for specialists to come to the people, from where they are permanently based, in hospitals like Universitas and Pelonomi hospitals.
“Instead of people travelling long distances, services must come to them. We have been doing this in different areas since she joined the department.”
