Free check-ups for churchgoers

Medical specialists turn church into clinic for a day

Dozens of Methodist Church of Southern Africa congregants were yesterday screened for various health conditions as the church in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, turned its pews into consulting rooms.

The church set up a mini-clinic equipped with nurses and health specialists at its premises in Mfuyaneni section.

The day began with a church service followed by specialists who told congregants about various health problems.

Dr Nompumelelo Mose, a psychiatrist at Sterkfontein Hospital, said the biggest challenge faced by mentally ill patients was stigma. “People do not want to go for treatment because of what the community will say. Mental illness is like any other disease. Patients are not accepted when they return home from hospital, they are feared,” said Mose.

Dr Simphiwe Mose, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Brenthurst Clinic, said it was important for pregnant women to be tested for HIV to reduce the chances of infecting their children. “Women who engage in sexual activities should do their pap smear because we can detect cancer before it happens,” he said.

The church’s Professor Sithembiso Velaphi said the initiative was started by members of the church who were in the medical profession four years ago.

“They felt it was important to use their skills to contribute to the community. We thought we should call specialists where people can consult free of charge because some conditions do not need equipment. Files are opened and if a patient is referred, they can take the file,” he said.

Nurses from the Gauteng department of health came to assist the doctors.

Queen Magagula, 65, said she wanted to consult an optometrist but nurses found that her glucose level was high.

“Sometimes you see symptoms of diseases but you do not know what it is. I am so happy that I was screened because now I know what is wrong with me,” she said.

Fikile Ntlanti, 45, said the wellness programme was a good initiative.

“This was an eye opener for me and I am grateful to the doctors,” he said.

/ THULANI MBELE Methodist Church member Queen Magagula, 65, has her blood pressure tested by nurse Rosemary Kekana at the church's premises in Mfuyaneng, Tembisa. Doctors were offering free health services.