The Lotus Gardens Plaza was a hive of healthcare services on March 28, as 213 residents took part in a community health programme organised by the metro.

The City’s Health Department, led by MMC for Health Tshegofatso Mashabela, sought to provide essential healthcare services and promote preventive discourse among residents in and around Lotus Gardens.

The outreach programme formed part of the city’s ongoing efforts to bring primary healthcare services closer to communities, with a strong focus on early detection, disease prevention, and child health.

Residents accessed a range of free health services, including HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and cervical cancer screenings, and childhood immunisation services for children from 6 months to 15 years.

Mashabela said the steady flow of residents throughout the morning reflected both the demand for accessible healthcare and the effectiveness of taking services directly to communities.

“The outreach initiative forms part of the City of Tshwane’s broader efforts to strengthen primary healthcare by prioritising early detection, disease prevention, and health promotion.”

She said many residents benefitted from the programme, “particularly those who face challenges accessing clinics during standard operating hours due to work commitments, transport constraints or long waiting times”.

The MMC asserted that initiatives such as these assist in easing the burden on healthcare facilities around the metro, shortening queues and waiting periods. It also helps residents who are not able to visit clinics during usual hours.

Several children were able to receive several vaccinations in accordance with national immunisation guidelines, regardless of whether or not they had their immunisation booklets.

She said the pilot project that was launched at Olievenhoutbosch Clinic will extend operating hours, but remains in an experimental phase.

“Outreach programmes such as these continue to play a vital complementary role. By bringing healthcare to where people live and work, the city continues to make meaningful strides towards reducing barriers to care and improving health outcomes across communities,” Mashabela said.

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