X-ray vision now helping others in KWT
TRAVELLING long distances to see a radiographer is now a thing of the past for King William’s Town residents, as Xolisa Menemene, 33, has brought the service closer to them.
Previously people had to travel almost 70km from King William’s Town to East London to see a radiographer.
Port Elizabeth-born Menemene opened his practice on June 2 in Arthur Street near the Department of Labour building.
This is his second practice, after having opened a practice at Ziyabuya Shopping Centre in KwaDwesi, Port Elizabeth.
The PE Technikon alumni, now known as Nelson Mandela University, said he had noticed the gap in the market.
To finance his first practice, he quit his job at Nompumelelo Hospital in Peddie and took a risk by using his retirement funds.
He also received R600 000 from the Small Enterprise Finance Agency.
He paid R800 000 from his own pocket to open the King William’s Town practice.
“After doing studies of the X-ray market in the townships, it was visible that there is a problem in the process involving medical practitioners and referrals of X-ray services,” he said.
Menemene said by opening his practice in King William’s Town, people could have early diagnoses done and thus detect and prevent many health conditions.
“There are many doctors in King William’s Town but you will never see a radiographer,” he said, adding that his services were affordable.
“We are bringing our services closer to the people. There is no need for them to go to East London when they need an X-ray.”
The radiographer continues building great relationships with successful medical practitioners within the province.
“Doctors are realising the efficiency of this practice and they continue referring great numbers of their patients to my practices,” he said.
Menemene now employs four people – two radiographers and two receptionists at his two practices.
Menemene said he had financial constraints as “the cost of putting an Xray practice together cost millions in equipment and setting up a safe facility”.
As part of his longterm plan, Menemene plans to buy his own properties to operate from, instead of renting. — zikhonam@ dispatch.co.za