April 13, 2004
By Bontle Moeng
A R700-MILLION project that will see the building of more hospitals, community centres and clinics was launched on 7 April by Gauteng health MEC, Gwen Ramokgopa, who also handed over 25 new ambulances during a visit to Soweto's Zola Clinic and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
The multi-phased revitalisation programme involves the building of two district hospitals, one in Zola and the other one in Lenasia, three community health centres and two primary health clinics and is expected to take six years.
Another major part of the programme will be the demolition of the old casualty centre at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital to make way for a modern one.
"There is definitely a reason to celebrate the demolition of the casualty and outpatients departments. A new outpatients department with spacious waiting areas and consulting rooms will replace the old cramped structure that was an insult to the dignity of our patients and staff," said Ramokgopa.
Ramokgopa confirmed that the Gauteng Department of Health had bought a total of 69 ambulances, with the remaining 44 ambulances being delivered later in the year, especially for road accident victims.
"Road accidents are placing a huge burden on our hospitals and emergency services. Motor-related accidents account for 28,8 percent of the 400 000 calls that our emergency service respond to annually," she said.
"As part of the revitalisation programme, the health department would ensure that all facilities will have sufficient personnel at appropriate levels and there will be adequate support to enable the delivery of all health services," Ramokgopa added.
A new renal dialysis unit, a new speech therapy and audiology centre, paediatric admission wards and bulk stores have already been built at the Johannesburg Hospital as part of the department's programme to improve services in the province.
Ramokgopa said the health department had initiated a process whereby each hospital management team had delegated powers, which would enable them to have greater control over budgets and the running of hospitals.
Ramokgopa said home-based care and hospices would be actively promoted and she stressed the community's critical role in the planning and management of these health facilities.
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