The new men’s clinic service at Block X Clinic in Soshanguve aims to encourage more men to seek healthcare without facing long queues or stigma.
Last week, the clinic introduced a dedicated “Men’s Clinic Day” every Wednesday, encouraging men to visit the facility and access services in a more comfortable environment.
According to Mr Jim Mokwena, a professional nurse at the clinic, the initiative was introduced to address the low number of male patients seeking medical assistance.
“Mental health is important, and it is important for men to come and seek help,” he said.
Mr Mokwena explained that many men avoid visiting clinics because of long queues, stigma and discomfort discussing their health problems in the presence of women.
“Some men do not like waiting in long queues with women, especially for conditions they consider minor. Others fail to collect medication for chronic illnesses such as HIV, high blood pressure and diabetes because of the long lines,” he said.
He added that many men also avoid seeking help for mental health challenges and male-specific illnesses such as prostate cancer.
“Some men are in denial about their health when they are in mixed settings. They struggle to accept that they may be ill,” he said.
The clinic now offers a range of healthcare services every Wednesday, including HIV testing, TB screening, blood tests, PSA testing for prostate cancer, adherence counselling, health education and medication collection.
According to Mr Mokwena, the service is provided exclusively by male nurses on Wednesdays to create a more comfortable atmosphere for male patients.
“It is important for the health sector to incorporate more male healthcare professionals. We must also collaborate with other stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies and departments of social development, because social challenges affect men’s health,” he said.
The clinic also encourages teenagers and young boys, particularly those who are sexually active, to visit the clinic for health advice and regular check-ups.
Although Wednesday is set aside for men’s health, Mr Mokwena emphasised that men can still access services on other days. Women will also continue to receive assistance on Wednesdays.
“The men’s clinic focuses on male patients on Wednesdays, but we do not turn men away on other days. Likewise, women are still admitted on Wednesdays,” he concluded.
