Nssa introduces mobile clinics for pensioners

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“What we are saying is that they better have clinics in every area so that pensioners will be attended there. If pensioners were being paid sustainable payouts, they would be able to seek medication anywhere in the country."

BY PRAISEMORE SITHOLE

THE National Social Security Authority (Nssa) has introduced mobile clinics to enable pensioners access affordable health services.

But Bulawayo Pensioners Forum co-ordinator Winos Dube said mobile clinics were welcome although they were a short-term measure.

“In our presentation to the minister (Labour and Social Welfare), we had indicated that the issue of mobile clinics despite it being of help would not be very effective.

“Our argument is that by the time the mobile clinic will be in Gwanda, what will be happening with the people in Bulawayo, Tsholotsho and other places?” Dube said.

“What we are saying is that they better have clinics in every area so that pensioners will be attended there. If pensioners were being paid sustainable payouts, they would be able to seek medication anywhere in the country.”

Dube said the issue of mobile clinics was one of the promises Nssa had fulfiled.

“They have started to do it here in Bulawayo but we are saying if the clinic is going to open on May 22 from 8:00am to 1:00pm, how many people will have been attended to?

“We are talking of pensioners with some failing to walk to Barbourfields Stadium where the mobile clinic will be,” Dube said.

“It is really a burden, however, this is one of their initiatives and we are saying, well they are hearing the voice of the forum and we are planning to do some projects such as goat rearing and others.”

Recently, Nssa deputy director for marketing Tendayi Mutseyekwa said they were going to introduce mobile clinics across the country to cater for pensioners.

He also said the pension manager had increased payouts and introduced grocery vouchers for pensioners and widows.

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