The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health visited Ladysmith Regional Hospital today (September 2) as part of a province-wide women’s health screening programme aimed at increasing access to essential healthcare services.

The programme offered a range of free health services, including HIV testing, blood pressure and diabetes screening, eye examinations, dental services, Pap smears and screening for various diseases, including cancers affecting women.

Department spokesperson Ntokozo Maphisa said the programme began at the start of Women’s Month (August) and has been taken to different districts across the province.

Programme focuses on women’s health and cancer screening

Maphisa said the programme was initiated following a directive from the KZN MEC for Health to give greater attention to women’s health and issues affecting women.

“The MEC for Health in KZN, Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi, mentioned before that she wanted women’s programmes and their health issues to be given attention, which includes all kinds of cancer that mostly affect women, as well as women’s mental health,” Maphisa said.

“As a result, there were a lot of programmes held at each and every hospital. The MEC further directed that each and every district must host a big programme, just like the one we hosted today in the uThukela District, where women are being screened for cancer,” he said.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the provincial health department to encourage women to undergo regular screenings and identify potential health problems at an early stage.

Department praises community response

Maphisa confirmed that the Ladysmith programme was successfully concluded, with more than 500 clients being attended to during the event.

He commended women in the area for turning out in large numbers, saying their participation demonstrated a commitment to taking care of their health.

The successful turnout also highlighted the importance of bringing healthcare services closer to communities, particularly services aimed at early detection and prevention of diseases.

Ladysmith Regional Hospital manager Dr Pule expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to organising and supporting the programme.

The provincial campaign will conclude in the iLembe District on Friday (September 4), marking the end of a series of women’s health initiatives held across KwaZulu-Natal during Women’s Month.

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