The initiative formed part of the students' third-term community outreach programme and honoured the legacy of Nelson Mandela through the 67-minute community service campaign.
Staff and students visited Greenacres Kenako and Cleary Park Shopping Centres, where they provided free health screenings and health education to the public.
Students were divided into groups 17 per venue and scheduled staggered time slots to ensure smooth operations.
Throughout the day the students, under the supervision of healthcare professionals, conducted blood pressure and blood glucose screenings and also provided the public with valuable health education on the prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases.
The initiative reached a total of 391 shoppers across the three shopping centres, of whom 30 persons were identified with abnormal blood pressure or blood glucose readings and were referred to their nearest healthcare facilities for further assessment and management.
Beyond providing an essential public health service, the initiative offered medical students invaluable practical experience in patient interaction, clinical assessment and health promotion within real community settings.
The community response was overwhelmingly positive. Many shoppers expressed appreciation for the free health services and educational support, while others enquired about the availability of similar services in the future.
The event highlighted the growing demand for accessible preventative healthcare and reinforced the importance of taking health services into communities.
Following the positive impact of this year's programme, preparations are already underway for the 2027 Health Promotion Day, continuing Mandela University's commitment to community engagement, preventative healthcare and producing socially responsive healthcare professionals.