Perpetua Murungweni
Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) has embarked on a wellness initiative where they are offering free health checks to all medical aid holders regardless of the plan one is on.
The team has been camped in Masvingo for the programme which is ongoing at its local PSMI facility, located at 44 Robertson Street for a five day exercise which started on Monday July 24.
PSMAS Population Health and Wellness Coordinator Dr Tapiwa Chiworeka said the programme is part of a bigger programme Premier Lifestyle which started in 2017 and is aimed at promoting a healthy living.
“The programme is part of Premier Lifestyle, a wellness programme offered by PSMAS and it is aimed at promoting healthy living through prevention, early detection and disease self-management.
“Due to increasing burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer countrywide, PSMAS through Premier Lifestyle continues to compliment government’s efforts in reducing non-communicable diseases. PSMAS does this by offering free regular screenings to its members so as to identify risks, diagnose conditions early and assist in management of the same,” said Dr Chiworeka.
Dr Chiworeka indicated that PSMAS will be conducting the programme in five cities and are targeting at least 1000 people in Masvingo.
“The programme is targeting five cities and this week we are here in Masvingo where we are offering general wellness screenings for blood pressure, sugar, weight, height, cervical cancer screening, breast examination, prostate cancer screening, Body Mass Index (BMI) and health education. We are targeting to reach out to at least 1000 people in Masvingo.
“The programme is being held under the theme prevention is better than cure and we call upon all PSMAS members in Masvingo to take advantage of the opportunity to get free health checks on offer.
“Early detection is critical in the prevention and management of chronic conditions. For details of next activities, PSMAS members and prospects can follow us on our social media platforms,” said Dr Chiworeka.
Dr Chiworeka said they would be screening men from the age of 45 and above for prostate cancer and women from 35 years would be screened for cervical cancer.
“We are screening men from the age of 45 for prostate cancer and on the fourth day a total of 150 men had been tested and it is pleasing to note that most of them turned out negative.
“Women from 35 years and above were screened for cervical cancer and a total of 140 women have been screened so far,” said Dr Chiworeka.
He however said statistics for overweight and obesity were higher compared to other tests conducted.
