NSSA to acquire a mobile clinic

Published: 17 April 2014

The National Social Security Authority (Nssa) has said it is in the process of acquiring a specialised mobile clinic vehicle to screen workers working in areas that expose them to risks of contracting lung disease.

Nssa managing director James Matiza said that the organisation is able to afford only one such vehicle and it will be able to go to otherwise inaccessible and remote areas.

The vehicle will be fitted with specialised medical equipment for the purpose of screening workers who work in areas that make them susceptible to lung disease.

"We are buying a specialised medical vehicle to drive to mining areas and areas and that place workers at risk of lung disease such as TB and pneumoconiosis.

"We are expecting to have both local and foreign bidders to supply us with this vehicle. We can only afford one vehicle and it will be travelling to mining areas, quarries and even places such as chicken farms to screen workers," he said.

He said that the vehicle will screen the workers for tuberculosis (TB) and pneumoconiosis, an occupational lung disease that is caused by the inhalation of dust often in mines.

"The workers will be screened every six months and if they are not found with any lung disease they will be issued with a certificate of health. If they are however found with lung disease then they will be removed from that area and moved to a place that will not aggravate the lung disease," he said.

According to Matiza, the mobile clinic will work in accordance with the Ministry of Health.

"In accordance with the Ministry of Health regulations and standards, the mobile clinic vehicle will move with medical bureau doctors and specialised equipment," said Matiza.

Nssa today released a formal tender invitation for bidders to supply the mobile clinic vehicle.
- BH24

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