08 Oct 2023

 It is important for all to have regular health checkups so that any adverse health conditions can be detected early enough, Minister of Health Dr Edwin Dikoloti said during a health camp hosted by Lobatse Lions Club in Lobatse on Saturday.

He said regular medical checkups made it easier for health practitioners to timely diagnose health conditions and offer treatment at an early stage, adding such would help eliminate risk of disease conditions found in bloodstream including cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS.

He was concerned that the only time when most people did medical checkups was when they were critically ill and hospitalised, which was sometimes difficult for doctors to help when some conditions were detected at advanced stage.

The minister said regular checkups would save money government and individuals used to treat life-threatening health ailments, reduce the risks of surgery or any associated costs in medical care.

He emphasised the need to control risk factors causing non-communicable diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes and others. 

This he said was in line with the President’s Reset Agenda priorities, that talk to saving the lives of people.

Dr Dikoloti commended Lion’s Club across the country for offering services related to vision, diabetes, childhood cancer as well as giving the environment and hunger a high priority.

Appreciating Lions Club contribution to the community, he commended their motivation and dedication, and urged the community to promote such noble service and encourage people to do regular health checkups.

Member of Parliament for Lobatse, Dr Thapelo Matsheka also emphasised the importance of health screenings and urged the community to take advantage of services offered during the camp.

Lions Club president, Ms Katlego Veerni said the main objective of the health camp was to offer Lobatse community an opportunity to be screened for diabetes, blood pressure, HIV, oral and eye sight all for free. 

She said counselling would also be done where necessary and reading glasses given at no charge.

The event she said aimed to bring services closer to the community and giving an opportunity to those who had been reluctant to visit health facilities. 

Ms Veerni said the annual event would benefit Lobatse community in improving their health.

She said for the past 55 years Lobatse Lions Club devoted itself to community and humanitarian services; supporting charities and promoting good health. ends