Following a series of complaints from community members and their representatives about service delivery challenges, especially in some primary health care clinics and the ambulance service (emergency medical service), the Northern Cape MEC for Health, Ms. Mase Manopole, has implored management to roll-up their sleeves and be part of accelerating service delivery improvements to our communities.

During her maiden Budget Speech last year, MEC Manopole, spelt out the need for bold steps to be taken by senior management that will result in a paradigm shift in management practices. The MEC highlighted that a rigorous process of change management, organisational re-alignment and integration of services will be implemented during the financial year.

In dealing with these challenges, the MEC and the Health Executive Management are criss-crossing the province, meeting with District management and community representatives to share with them the urgent actions to be implemented. These, among others, include appointment of doctors, nurses, emergency care officers and clinical support staff, procurement of protective clothing for ambulance personnel, and strengthening of hospital management. All of this aims to provide better quality health care and more responsive service to our people.

Throughout this campaign we will also take the opportunity to appraise communities about the government response to the new coronavirus flu (COVID-19) outbreak.

“Educating the public on hand hygiene and preventing the spread of infections will be paramount in our campaign. We will be helping people understand what it means by self-isolation, as well as when and where to test for the COVID-19 virus.” MEC Manopole said.

Issued by Communications