Check-ups aimed to help prevent absenteeism
The employee health and wellness unit at the department of public works’ (DPW) Amathole
regional office, together with the Government Employees Medical Scheme (Gems), recently hosted a members’ servicing and wellness day, where nurses conducted screenings for cholesterol, body mass index, high blood pressure and voluntary HIV testing. Gems representatives held consultations with employees, addressing queries and complaints and explaining the medical aid benefits and rules.
The employees were also treated to a complementary 15-minute neck and shoulder massage. Employee health and wellness coordinator Nwabisa Dodo said the decision to invite Gems was in line with their motto: Prevention is better than cure.
“Coming back from the festive season, we saw the need to invite Gems and nurses to conduct health screenings for departmental employees” she said.
Dodo encouraged everyone to go for regular check-ups for early detection and treatment of illnesses.
“We are always encouraging employees to go for regular check-ups for early detection of
illnesses,” she added.
She said providing such medical services helped minimise absenteeism and promoted the general wellbeing of employees, while increasing general health knowledge .
“We want to provide assistance to members who cannot adequately access our services and to those who want to join our medical aid,” Gems practitioner Hombakazi Cekiso
said.
Cekiso explained that visits helped maintain relations with members and services were rendered better in person rather than telephonically.
“We use these visits to strengthen relations with our members and it is much easier to give clarity on issues in person instead of over the phone,” she said.
Nurse Khanyisa Guzana said it was important for employees to go for regular screenings.
“The screenings we conduct help employees detect health complications before they become a serious health risk that affects their work performance,” Guzana said.
