08 Jul 2018

Hundreds of Tlokweng residents on Saturday braved the chilly morning to participate in the screening of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and other ailments, courtesy of Pakistan Association of Botswana.

The screening and dispensing of medication was done at the Dutch Reform Church branch of Tlokweng, which was also the master mind behind the initiative.

The gesture was however extended to other religious denominations within the peri-urban village.

Although the initiative was not extensively advertised, the turnout was in the contrary as those who were consulted and assisted by doctors rapidly spread the message, resulting in the number of people who came for consultation swelling within a short space of time.

A medical team of Pakistan general doctors, some working for Princess Marina Referral Hospital and others in private practices dedicated their day at the church assisting for free in the spirit of humanity, especially that some of the drugs dispensed are in short supply in most public health facilities.

Speaking in an interview, the chairperson of Pakistan Association of Botswana Mr Ashtiaq Rehman Raja said as an association they have seen the need to assist where possible, noting that they have also been donating to various schools and communities in some parts of the country.

He said they intended to embark on a trip to Chobe District where they would have a medical camp, food programme and donate winter garments as well as sporting equipment.

The association has in the past assisted various primary schools with their needs, which include school uniform, sporting kit, stationery and has also assisted during prize giving ceremonies.

Some of the villages and schools that have already benefitted are Parakarungu, Tsetsebjwe, Metsimotlhabe, Radisele and Lephepe.

The association also intends to set up a soup kitchen where deserving citizens will come for daily meals.

The association will this week donate to one of the country’s District Health Management Teams.

In the meantime, the Christian Men’s Ministry in Tlokweng, which made it possible for Pakistani medics to come to their village said the initiative was a welcome development, which would definately improve the health status of the community members.

Its chairperson, Mr Shadrack Morobe noted that as a newly elected committee they saw the need to put the health of their members and other members of the society at the forefront of their agenda.

Mr Morobe noted that they initially invited the medics who came and taught on various ailments and this time around they had come to screen and dispense drugs as well as make some referrals to health facilities.

He hailed former MP Mr Olebile Gaborone, who was also present at the event, for having played a leading role in soliciting the services of the Pakistan medics. ENDS