A monumental community initiative involving varied local medical staff, groups, faith-based leaders and enterprises officially launched on 13 February at the Merebank Community Centre where the focus is to treat and educate, those affected directly by Covid-19.
Open to Merebank, Wentworth, Bluff and Lamontville residents, the Merewent Covid Relief Clinic (MCRC) was established during March 2020 for “education of covid-positive patients and their families, monitoring mild cases of covid and treatment of mild to moderate cases of covid with a saturation level of less than 95%,” said Ringo Naidoo, co-ordinator at the Merewent Covid Relief Group.
He continued, saying: “The launch was well attended by leaders of community organisations, healthcare practitioners from the area, donors and private individuals. Our primary aim is to have a co-ordinated effort with regards to distribution of hampers and aid to those who require it most. In addition, we hope by setting up a free clinic, we will ease the burden on our public health sector.”
Dr Kathrada, head of the Doctors Covid Forum, has been thoroughly involved in making the clinic a reality. During Saturday’s launch, Kathrada and Naidoo addressed participating members and organisations, giving them insight into operations as well as expressing their immense gratitude to all those who came on board.
Kathrada said: “The clinic will be run by well-trained nurses, and include both admin and janitorial staff, who can count on the volunteer support of local medical doctors. I stress that this is a community facility and people must feel free to use it by contacting the number below and arranging an appointment.” Although the relief clinic does not offer Covid-19 testing, Dr Kathrada reminds community members to visit the nearby Merebank Clinic where this can be done. Naidoo mentioned that as a free service, the MCRC relies on donations to sustain itself.
He said: “We need approximately R30 000 per month to run the facility. This includes PPE and other consumables required on a daily basis for operations. Any assistance, be it cash or kind, will be greatly appreciated. We also need perishable foods noted on
our list which can be found out through contacting us.” The clinic is located at the Community Centre on 85 Krishna Rabilal Road and operates from 8am to 5pm, on weekdays, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
To make an appointment call 067 115 9137 or email mcrgclinic@gmail.com. For more information about the project or to donate contact Ringo on 083 289 2297.
