14 July 2010
The MEC of Health in province, Mr Mxolisi Sokatsha, embarked on a Health Roadshow to the Namaqua District in the Northern Cape Province during the week of 05-09 July 2010.
The aim of the Roadshow was to engage with strategic stakeholders, structures, staff, communities as well as conducting site visits to health facilities.
The MEC engaged with the staff of the Abraham Esau Hospital in Calvinia, the Joe Slovu Hospital in Garies, Springbok Hospital, Pofadder Clinic,Garies Clinic and Keimoes Hospital whereby numerous issues were raised and definite commitments and solutions were agreed upon.
The MEC accompanied by members of the Senior Management Team of the Department of Health, a Member and deployee of National Parliament, the Mayor and counselors of the Kamiesberg Municipality conducted four community Health IMBIZO’s in Garies, Leliefontein, Kamieskroon and Kharkams. Some of the concerns raised during these interactions were staff, infrastructure and equipment challenges as well Emergency Medical Services(EMS) and availability of medicine.
Community members and staff appreciated the visit by the MEC and being able to raise critical concerns regarding health service delivery in their communities and facilities as well as challenging working conditions. The department will start immediately in addressing the issues raised by the communities and personnel to ensure our people are receiving quality health services and our employees are working in healthy and safe environments.
As part of the build-up programme to the opening of the new clinic in Hondeklipbaai, the Department of Health in partnership with local community structures and the Kamiesberg Municipality, conducted door-to-door visits distributing health information flyers and brochures, mobilizing community members to attend the opening of the new clinic as well as giving the community to do voluntary HIV testing and counseling as part of the HTC Campaign. A memorial lecture was also conducted to inform the community on the naming of the new clinic.
The new St Anna’s Clinic in Hondeklipbaai was officially opened by the Honorable MEC with the aim of providing quality health care services to the community and surrounding farms.
The MEC of Health plans to conduct regular Health Roadshows in the coming future to other districts in the province to gain firsthand knowledge from communities, health professionals and staff regarding health service delivery challenges and the state of health facilities in the province.
Enquiries:
Andrid F. Scholtz
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 053 830 2000
Cell: 0824479696
Fax: 053 8331925
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Issued by: Ministry of Health
Northern Cape Province