Pretoria – Communities from remote areas across the Northern Cape will this week receive much needed healthcare services, thanks to the non-profit company PinkDrive, which is committed to providing critical healthcare services.
PinkDrive is travelling to the Northern Cape as part of the 21st Annual Northern Cape Colonoscopy outreach surveillance trip, for Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town (UCT).
During the five-day outreach, which started on Monday, PinkDrive, through generous financial assistance from the Bidvest group, will be providing free mammography and gynaecology services to the communities.
Current research has established that there is a direct link genetically between colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.
It is the second year that PinkDrive is involved with the research program, however, it is the first time that they will be providing the much needed mammography and pap-smear services, as well as Prostate-Specific Antigen screening for men.
A radiologist and breast surgeon provided by UCT will be travelling with the PinkDrive team, where the mammography and pap-smear reporting will be done on site.
Founder and CEO of PinkDrive, Noelene Kotschan, said as a non-profit company, they are always looking for opportunities to assist the medically uninsured and continue to help make a difference.
“This year we are ever grateful to the Bidvest Group and the Bidvest Foundation, who have provided the funding to make this possible. Everyone has the right to access healthcare services and our mission is to ensure that no one is neglected.
“PinkDrive is grateful for being given the opportunity to assist and ensure that these communities also receive the services. PinkDrive will continue to spread the message and the importance that early detection of cancer can save lives,” said Kotschan.
Kevin Handelsman from the Bidvest Group said they understand the importance of citizens having access to healthcare in order to ensure that early detection can save lives.
“The Bidvest Foundation is pleased to support the critical healthcare services provided by PinkDrive to our communities in need.”
On Monday, PinkDrive visited Upington Hospital and on Tuesday they will be at Alexander Bay Hospital.
On Wednesday and Thursday, they will be at Garies Hospital and Vredendal Hospital on Thursday. Vredendal Hospital is the next closest hospital for breast health services in the province and approximately 800 km from Upington.
Social Development Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, who supports PinkDrive, said the services provided by PinkDrive is for the benefit of those who are marginalised and are recipients of social assistance. – SAnews.gov.za
