Helping the UnderprivilegedDisabledElderly

Branch Activities

Ladysmith is situated in the KZN Midlands. The local Branch of the IMASA was formed soon after the establishment of the National body 40 years ago. The Branch membership is made up of medical, dental practitioners and numerous allied healthcare professionals. The latter play a vital role in the functioning of the Branch

Outreach Programmes

During the course of the year the Branch undertakes numerous Outreach Programmes to areas where healthcare facilities are non-existent. Schools and community halls are used as venues and our members travel for distances up to 60km outside Ladysmith to provide a service. These programmes entail a multidisciplinary approach. Screening is performed in terms of diabetes and hypertension. If required medical intervention is then instituted. The hallmark of these programmes is the role of the allied healthcare professionals. The dentists screen patients for dental abnormalities and if required dental extractions are performed.

The optometrists screen patients for visual defects and provide lenses during the visit. The optometry sector is the most popular part of the programme and on certain visits over 200 patients are seen. The audiology programme is also well received. Patients are screened for hearing defects and appropriate arrangements are thereafter made for follow up. Interestingly at some of these Outreach Programmes foreign bodies from the nose and the ear have been removed.  These Outreach Programmes are held in conjunction with community based organisations like the Al-Imdaad Foundation and Operation Sukuma Sakhe. These organisations provide social support at the programmes. Learners from high schools also accompany us as part of their community involvement. They help in terms of the registration of patients, providing water and hampers.

They also experience at first hand conditions in rural areas. The screening programmes also extend to old age homes, orphanages and when there are activities like school fetes. In addition health screening has also been provided for the local Imams, Muezzins and Apas.

Career Guidance Programme

The Branch has provided career guidance, when requested, at local schools.

We would like to thank all our members, who sacrifice their time for these initiatives and the community based organisations who partner with us and the local community for their contributions.

Jummah Talks

The Friday pre-khutbah talk is used to educate the congregation on important topics.

Conditions like HIV / AIDS, smoking, Covid and the medical aspects of fasting have been discussed.

Community Educational Programmes

Where appropriate, programmes are arranged at Masaajied and schools to educate the community on current topics.

These include, but are not limited to, discussions on vaccination, Covid and fasting.

Cataract Programme

This has co-incided with National events like the “Mandela Day” activities.  It is held in conjunction with La Verna Hospital.

No cost is borne by the selected patients, many of whom were initially screened at our Outreach Programmes.

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