About us
Bringing compassionate, comprehensive care
to our community
From our practice in the heart of rural Transkei, we provide patient-centered care that respects both modern medicine and local traditions. Our approach focuses on empowering individuals and families to take charge of their health journey, working creatively with available resources to deliver the best possible outcomes.
Dr Jenna Kent
Doctor
Being a rural doctor has always been my passion. I graduated with my medical degree from the University of Cape Town in 2016, after which I completed my internship at Livingstone and Dora Nginza hospitals in Gqeberha. I did my community service year in emergency centers on the Cape flats, and then worked at a step-down and palliative care facility in Fish Hoek.
In 2021 I moved to Zithulele and spent three years working at Zithulele Hospital. There I learnt to creatively navigate the unique challenges of providing healthcare with limited resources in a rural context, received my “education” in local culture and learnt from incredible colleagues. I also completed my Diploma in HIV Management during this time.
I am excited to put my experience and skills to work serving the Wild Coast community as a primary care doctor. My passion for rural health remains, and with it the desire to see my community and my patients thrive in every way.
Sinethemba Beja
Translator & administrative assistant
I grew up in the rural Eastern Cape and as a young adult developed a passion for community activism and for the people in our rural areas. I have four years’ experience in a healthcare setting doing clinical translation, administration and lay counselling. I have also spent five years working for a local NGO doing administrative work and mentoring young women.
Being able to empower young people and see them grow excites me. My passion for my community’s wellbeing and empowering young people makes my work as a clinical translator very rewarding.
What do we value?
We are passionate about empowering patients and their families to lead healthier lives.
Holistic Health
We treat you as a whole person, not just your symptoms. We strive to understand your background, priorities and the factors that might influence your health and choices, and work alongside you towards better health in all aspects of your life.
Compassion
We are compassionate and empathetic towards our patients and their families. We strive to keep the consultation room a judgement-free space where you can be honest about what is going on without being made to feel uncomfortable.
Integrity
We are committed to providing safe, effective and respectful care while offering value for money. We strive to ensure our patients receive the highest quality care available in our rural context and are committed to life-long learning. We value open, honest conversation and will be clear about the limitations of our practice and assist with appropriate referrals as needed.
Patient-Centred Care
We listen to our patients, strive to understand and address their priorities, and make collaborative decisions about their health. We strive to find common ground and work together towards our patients' best interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you dispense medicine?
Yes, we have a dispensing licence and can dispense medications that we prescribe. If there is something we do not have in stock, we can write a prescription to take to your nearest pharmacy.
Do you offer an after-hours service?
I do not provide any after-hours services. Please proceed to your nearest emergency centre if it's urgent, or make an appointment.
Do you offer blood tests (pathology services)?
Yes, we can send a variety of samples such as blood, sputum, urine and small biopsies to a private lab for testing. This might incur an additional fee, depending on whether you have medical aid that covers pathology. We also have a range of point-of-care tests that we do in our rooms, such as pregnancy tests, urine dipsticks, glucose (sugar) testing, HIV tests and syphilis tests. These tests are included in the consultation fee.
Do you do X-rays?
No, we do not have the facilities to offer X-rays. We can refer you to a private radiologist for X-rays in Mthatha, or to the local district hospital down the road.
Do you see walk-in patients?
Yes, we do accept walk-in patients, but you might have to wait longer than if you make an appointment. For an appointment please Whatsapp 067 356 2123.
Do you accept medical aid?
Yes. The medical aids we accept are: Discovery, Momentum Health, GEMS, Profmed, Bestmed, Health4Me, Medihelp, Ingwe, Bonitas, Polmed, Botsogo, Imperial Motus Med, Sasolmed, Workaway International, Bp South Africa, Fishmed, Golden Arrow Benefit, Moto Healthcare, Pg Group, Pick N Pay Med Sch Transmed, Wooltru, SABC, Medipos, Medshield and Namibia Health Plan. If you belong to another medical aid you will be required to pay directly and claim back from your medical aid.
Do you accept cash?
No, strictly no cash accepted. Payment options include via card machine, EFT, Capitec QR code, Snapscan, Samsung Pay, Google Pay and Apple Pay. Kindly note that all non-medical aid patients are required to pay in full on the day of their consultation. We are unfortunately unable to offer alternative payment arrangements.
Do you offer online consultations?
Yes, but only to patients that we have seen in person within the previous 12 months.
How much do you charge for a consultation?
For medical aid patients we charge medical aid rates. For non-medical aid patients the consultation fee is R500, which includes basic tests, small procedures and most acute medicines (medicines that are needed for less than a week, for example pain medication or antibiotics). There will be an additional fee for vaccinations, chronic medication and send-away laboratory tests. If you need multiple follow-up appointments we will gladly discuss a lower rate for follow-ups.
In what language do consultations take place?
Dr Kent is fluent in English and Afrikaans, and we have a translator available on Mondays and Fridays for patients who speak isiXhosa.