Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) has once again partnered with PinkDrive NPC, a significant player in the gender-related cancer sector, to bring critical screening to the Northern Cape. The 8th annual outreach aims to assist in the early detection, education and treatment of breast, cervical, prostate and skin cancer within the Namakwa District and Black Mountain Mining (BMM) host communities.
PinkDrive will be providing screening services to local communities from 26 August to the 1 September 2023 and will include education on early detection of gender related cancers, pap smears and ultrasounds for cervical cancer detection, clinical breast examinations, mammograms, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests for prostate cancer for men over the age of 40 and skin cancer screening.
PinkDrive, who recently launched the first 'mobile' 3D Mammography system of its kind in Africa, will be bringing cutting edge technology to the basket of cancer screening and education services to be provided at local community clinics. The new 3D Mammography system is a value-added addition to the cancer screening services already provided by the PinkDrive mobile screening units.
Joining PinkDrive in bringing services to these rural communities will be Vertice Medtech Group, providing mobile lung health screening, the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), the Department of Home Affairs, SASSA, the Department of Social Development and the Department of Health.
Pieter Van Greunen, the Executive Director, and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Vedanta- Zinc International explains; "Our communities are the backbone of our Black Mountain Mine complex. As part of our dedicated commitment to community upliftment initiatives, Vedanta has facilitated the health services outreach which will bring these critical screening and education services to the local community in which we operate. This project is an example of the identification of a unique South African problem and the provision of a sophisticated service in a rural underserviced area with state-of-the-art cancer screening equipment and medical staff resulting in the highest level of care possible."
"One of PinkDrive's primary objectives is to partner with the Mining Sector in South Africa in their mandated Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) to ensure meaningful healthcare impact in the communities surrounding their operations. By deploying the best in innovative technology, PinkDrive will continue to drive South Africa to reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and equal healthcare for everyone. PinkDrive cancer screening is moving forward and will take the country to greater heights and broader delivery levels."
"Early detection is vital in fighting cancer. Regular screenings can significantly increase early detection and the chances of successful treatment. Offering these screenings in a mobile setting, makes these crucial services accessible to those who might otherwise have difficulty reaching them due distance to health facilities or financial restraints or where community healthcare services are under resourced." explains Kotschan.
PinkDrive continues to work closely with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Development (DSD) to bring health services to under resourced communities around South Africa. Treatable cancers receiving even the basic levels of care, could translate into varying lengths of extended life for the afflicted, when detected and treated early. PinkDrive is ostensibly a promoter of health awareness in general, and specifically health education and heightening awareness of gender-related cancers in South Africa.
"By partnering with community upliftment driven companies such as VDI, PinkDrive can continue to bring gender related cancer screening and awareness to contribute meaningfully towards preventing as many people as it can, from succumbing to breast, cervical, prostate and testicular cancer. Our primary focus is on citizens without access to reasonable care for these conditions, and who reside in areas where health services do not reach." Concludes Kotschan.
The PinkDrive Mobile Trucks will be in the following areas and eligible residents in the area are encouraged to undergo the relevant testing from 26 August to 1 September 2023 at the following facilities.
26 & 27 August: Upington - Dr Harry Surtie Hospital
28 August: Springbok – Matjieskloof Clinic
29 August: Kommagas Clinic
30 August: Nababeep Clinic
31 August: Pella Clinic
1 September: Pofadder Clinic
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