Mobile clinic

The mining sector is naturally hazardous and as such it poses significant danger to the health of workers through mineral dust exposure causing occupational lung conditions in extreme circumstances and excessive noise exposure predisposing workers to irreversible hearing impairment. To address this challenge the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) of Zimbabwe through its Occupational Safety and Health Division procured mobile clinic in September 2016. The mobile clinic offers a spectrum of basic key workers' health surveillance activities, which include digital Fujifilm computed radiography, lung function testing, audiometric screening and visual screening. Since inception, the mobile clinic has been through all the NSSA catchment regions. There has been a positive and improved accessibility of surveillance of workers especially in the mining sector. The clinic has seen us pick a significant proportion of occupational lung diseases including pneumoconiosis. This has enabled us to arrest progression of disease and to initiate compensation for affected workers. The business community, particularly, the mining sector has welcomed this initiative as it offers their workers a platform for health education and monitoring.

Award Region
Award Year
2017
Country
Region
Main country
Main region