HOEDSPRUIT – In the face of international funding cuts, the team at Hlokomela is finding new ways to continue providing vital healthcare services to local communities.

The NPO, based in Hoedspruit and Letsitele, has long relied on donor support to deliver affordable primary healthcare, particularly to farm workers and those employed in the safari industry.

However, following the withdrawal of funding from USAID a year ago, Hlokomela has had to explore alternative ways to continue its mission.

Health card fills funding gap

One of the initiatives helping to keep the organisation afloat is the Hlokomela Health Card, which offers affordable access to healthcare for just R990 per year.

For an amount, which today might barely cover a few bags of groceries, cardholders receive unlimited nurse-based consultations for 12 months at Hlokomela’s clinics. In addition, doctor consultations cost only R70, making professional medical care accessible to people who might otherwise struggle to afford it.

Health Card holders also gain access to several additional services at heavily subsidised rates, including ultrasound scans, women’s health services, counselling, chronic medication, blood tests, and body-based trauma therapy.

Baby clinic offers private vaccinations

Furthermore, the Hlokomela Baby Clinic offers a kid’s health card at R1 100 per year. The card provides affordable access to the private vaccination schedule, along with other essential child healthcare services.

According to Desiré Wright, these initiatives are helping the organisation continue its work despite the loss of international donor funding.

She said that the initiative was designed to ensure that quality healthcare remains accessible to people from all walks of life.

“For less than the cost of a few bags of groceries, families can have access to professional healthcare throughout the year,” she said.

She emphasised that community support will play an important role in the organisation’s future. “Every health card purchased helps us continue providing essential services to the people who rely on us most,” Wright said.

Limited-time special until April 30

Hlokomela is currently offering a limited-time health card special. Those who purchase two health cards before April 30 will receive 13 months of validity, while those who buy three cards before the deadline will receive a fourth card free of charge.

“A new benefit is one free spine care screening by a chiropractor and one free eye test at an optometrist,” says Wright. These services are offered at Hlokomela Blyde Clinic only.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Hlokomela on 087 550 0387 or send a WhatsApp message to 082 560 0248.