OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Altogether 144 people received medical and dental care during an outreach hosted by Pediatric Care Africa at the Swartberg Country Manor in Matjiesrivier on Saturday 22 August.
The outreach was organised after Matjiesrivier had been cut off from the outside world for an extended period following the recent destructive rains, which caused rockfalls that completely blocked the road to the area.
According to Dr André Hattingh, founder of Pediatric Care Africa, many of the patients assisted during the outreach are farm workers who live more than 50km from their nearest medical centre. For many of them, visiting a doctor is therefore not only expensive, but can also take up an entire day.
During Saturday's outreach, volunteer doctors examined and treated 73 patients, while two volunteer dentists provided dental care to a further 71 patients.
Hattingh said access to dental care was particularly important, as severe toothache and dental infections can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Providing medical and dental care to 144 people required a major effort from the team of volunteers involved in the outreach.
Dr Samuel Nothnagel (left) and Dr Hanco Blignaut, two dentists who helped at the outreach. Photo: Pediatric Care
Apart from the doctors and dentists, volunteers assisted with administration, taking patients' vital signs and patient intake. Others were responsible for the pharmacy and dispensing medication, while volunteers in the kitchen ensured that the patients and volunteers received food and refreshments.
Hattingh thanked the Swartberg Country Manor for making its venue available for the outreach, as well as the medical professionals who volunteered their time and expertise.
Dr Anso Killian and Dr René Smith provided medical care during the outreach. At the same time, dentists Dr Hanco Blignaut and Dr Samuel Nothnagel of Udent Dental Solutions attended to the patients requiring dental treatment.
"To assist 144 people requires a huge effort and dedication from every volunteer who forms part of a medical outreach," Hattingh said.
He also thanked the volunteers who gave up their Saturday to assist people in need and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.
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