Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-04-15

The cost of basic or primary medical care has soared in South Africa with many people in desperate need of affordable healthcare.

The Islamic Medical Association (IMA) in conjunction with the Jamiatul Ulama of South Africa have come to the rescue and opened a clinic in Orlando East, Soweto.

The Umtholampilo Clinic was officially opened on Sunday the 13th April with a number of dignitaries in attendance including the MEC of roads and transport Ismail Vadi and Dr. Mohammed Moosajee the Proteas Cricket team manager.

Umtholampilo Clinic situated on the premises of the Soweto Masjid offers primary healthcare by qualified healthcare professionals at a nominal fee of just R 50.

The clinic managed qualified nurses, Doris Mpungose and Cynthia Mokgoetsi consults about 20 patients a day.

For those who cannot afford the service, which includes blood pressure tests, sugar tests, wound care, family planning and children’s illnesses amongst others, it is rendered free of charge.

“There was a desperate need for a clinic as there aren’t many doctors in the area.” Dr. Faiza Dangor told Radio Islam.

“There is a desperate need to supplement medical services and assist the government…Baragwaneth Hospital is going to be insufficient for the people of Soweto,” said Shoyab Wadee, the president of the IMA.

Wadee added that plans for more clinics were in the pipeline in various different areas.

“Ibaadat is important and Allah has kept it for a reason. We some sometimes tend to forget that welfare is also part of deen. Allah has given such blessings for helping. We make dua that Allah grant this clinic blessings Inshallah,” said Moulana Ebrahim Bham the secretary general of the Jamitaul Ulama of South Africa.

“I think it’s a challenge that it must not only be done in Soweto, it must be done in places like Fordsburg, Mayfair and even Lenasia for that matter,” added Moulana Bham.

 
(Twitter: @Faizie143)