HEALTH SERVICES CLOSER TO COMMUNITIES

By Aliko Munde – Mana.

Chitipa Lions Club in partnership with Chitipa District Hospital on Saturday organized a mobile clinic, testing diabetes, eye problems and children’s cancer and over 200 people were tested.

Chitipa Lions Club President, Lion Sydney Simwaka, said the aim of the exercise was to reach out to people who cannot afford to buy eye glasses and also assist those with diabetes and cancer.

“We decided to bring the healthy services closer to people. We are happy with the turnout of people who tested for eyes and diabetes,” he said.

Chitipa District Hospital Ophthalmologist, Clement Tembo said that the exercise was an opportunity for the hospital as they have identified people with diabetes and eye problems.

“We have identified one person with trachoma and has been referred to Karonga District Hospital for treatment. And most of the eye problems we have identified are cataracts and we will do surgery here at Chitipa District Hospital. Others were just given glasses for reading and glasses that would aid seeing from far,” he said.

A participant, Joseph Sibale of Ishalikila Village in the area of Senior Chief Mwabulambya was excited to receive the eyeglasses saying he was failing to see from a long distance.

“With the glasses I have received today, I am able to see far. I thank Chitipa Lions Clubs and the hospital for the exercise,” he said.

Lions Club globally designates months of October and November every year as awareness months for healthy related ailments like eyes, diabetes and cancer.

Mana/afm/ys/tha