NGO provides valuable medical service to Newcastle residents
The Ramakrishna Clinic of S.A. Durban was in Newcastle to provide much-needed humanitarian aid to the residents of Newcastle and surrounding areas on Sunday, September 28
The NGO plays an important role in bridging the gap and ensuring that needed services reach those who need them the most.
Lennoxton Primary School was transformed into a makeshift medical centre with rooms dedicated to different medical specialities including gynaecology, optometry, haematology, physicians, blood works and pharmacy.
Highly specialised and experienced doctors and trainee doctors from as far as Durban, Ladysmith, and Estcourt sacrificed two days to travel to Newcastle to evaluate people – a service that is free of charge.
Vijay Singh, chairperson of the Newcastle Sub Centre of the Ramakrishna Clinic SA, said that although they were expecting to attend to at least 300 people this time around, he reported a small decline in the number of patients compared to the previous year. However, the clinic was still well attended with especially optometry services in demand.
More than 150 people who had their eyes tested by trainee doctors from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Medical School will be supplied glasses free of charge from an overseas manufacturer.
Speaking of the good work the organisation does, Singh commented:
“Service to humanity is our core function. We do many activities providing humanitarian aid, food, and outreach programmes.”
The clinic stressed that the service welcomes all Newcastle residents free of charge; regardless of race or religion.
The patients that turned up were very grateful for the invaluable service the clinic brings to Newcastle every year.
Sharon Singh could not let this opportunity pass her to show her gratitude. “I want to say a million thanks to the Ramakrishna Centre. Right now it is hard to afford quality healthcare without medical aid.
“We come here and get all our tests done; we get medication and the consultations with all kinds of specialists for free, and for us pensioners who don’t have any disposable income this is so valuable.”
Sharon underwent an eye test where a tiny bump was detected in one of her eyes which needs to be closely monitored. Without this service, she may have picked up the problem once it had become serious, threatening her vision.
“Now I know to look into medical aid so I can have this fixed; without having this test, I possibly would’ve taken things lightly,” she concluded.
Vijay Singh thanked all the sponsors and the community of Newcastle, including the volunteers who come out to assist year after year.
“This is only possible because of their kind generosity,” he concluded.
The Newcastle community is encouraged to keep their eye out on the Ramakrishna social groups and other forms of media throughout the year for news of the next medical camp.
See photos below:
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