Another smooth outreach for PCA at Katoen

Pediatric Care Africa (PCA) just completed another successful outreach to Katoen, an informal settlement near Msholozi.

The outreach took place on April 15 and according to Dr André Hattingh of PCA it was a huge success, thanks to all the medical and non-medical volunteers who joined them.

“Our volunteer medical doctors examined and treated 53 patients, of whom two were urgently referred and transported to hospital with serious conditions. A young boy was also referred to see an ear, nose and throat surgeon for possible surgery.”

The youngest patient seen was only five days old and was an immediate star attraction.

Every child living in Katoen received his or her yearly flu injection before winter, as they live very near one another in the care centre, so as to minimise the spread of flu in the camp.

All patients under the age of 18 received all their medications totally free from PCA, as it has a mobile over-the-counter medication pharmacy on-site, and prescription medications were collected from Mopani Pharmacy and handed to the respective patients.

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Dr Jacques Burger, a volunteer dentist, and his dental assistant were extremely busy and saw 36 patients, resulting in 47 extractions – a mammoth and back-breaking task. Several of the older patients had not seen a dentist in decades.

Hattingh said every patient and their parents received a freshly made hot dog, chips, a cooldrink and of course 5kg of precooked porridge per child.

“Without the dedicated people who give up their free time to assist us, no outreach could ever happen. I want to thank everyone who made it possible,” said Hattingh.

PCA’s next medical outreach is in Magalela between White River and Hazyview.