The National Diabetes Center at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) recently received 5 sets of diagnostic kits from Ecall Health Center. 

In donating the diagnostic kit, Manager Dr Lazarus Tavichikai, expressed his commitment towards supporting the fight against NCD as a major disease control policy of the Ministry of Health. 

“This piece of equipment is very handy in measuring Blood Pressure, pulse rate, blood glucose and uric acid level, perfect for home and remote use due to its versatility and ability to charge using USB device”, stated Dr Tavichikai. 

He was delighted to also witness how much effort and resources are placed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the National Referral Hospital in providing access to people to access NCD especially diabetes and hypertensive screening. Early detection is better and prevention is always life-saving. 

Receiving the donation Dr George Malefoasi CEO of the National Referral Hospital thanked Dr Lazarus Tavichikai for the donations and specifically for investing in public health and NCD screening. The hospital’s strategy is to increase and improve access to primary and secondary prevention of NCDs and establish such diagnostic services outside the hospital. 

“In 2023, a total of 100,321 patients were seen by the NRH, the majority 53% were seen at the day clinics and the Diabetes Center makes up 8%, whilst 16% of 15,685 patients were admitted to the wards. It is expected the number of visits at the National Diabetes Center at Kukum will increase and so such diagnostic devices will greatly reduce waiting time for patients and improve doctors’ and nurses’ diagnostic time”, said Dr Malefoasi. 

In closing, Dr Tavichilai expressed his ongoing commitment to assist the Ministry of Health & Medical Services in implementing the national diabetes and NCD policy implementation at the private sector space.