The Provincial Government Initiative known as Operation Sukuma Sakhe will be in action, when collective Government Service Delivery is brought to the community of the densely populated Welbedacht area in Ethekwini.
In an effort to bring government services closer to the people (ward level), the Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal together with the Departments of Home Affairs and Social Development, South African Social Security Agency and Ethekwini Municipality (under the banner Operation Sukuma Sakhe) will descend to Welbedacht bringing with them the much needed services at the doorsteps of the homes of people of Welbedacht.
Mobile clinic services stationed in the area will see thousands of people accessing public healthcare services in a day. This community outreach programme will contribute significantly to improve access to public healthcare services such as HIV Counselling and Testing, Medical Male Circumcision, TB screening, Women, Mother and Child Health Services, Screenings for Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar and the provision of health education for a healthy nation.
The MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo says “the bringing of healthcare services closer to where communities are, will go a long way in ensuring that the Department of Health fulfils its vision of ensuring that the people of the Province live longer (they reach the age of 70) and that the dream of on an HIV free generation is fulfilled”.
Currently, the area of Welbedacht is serviced by two Mobile Clinics. Due to the population density; there is a need for a fixed Primary Health Care facility in the area. The total number of patients that were seen in 2012/13 were 23 211 as compared to 15 500 in 2011/12. This marked an increase of 8 000 patients in 2012/13. The new mobile clinic will come in handy in ensuring that the community of Welbedacht has increased access to quality public healthcare services.
All media is invited to attend and cover this event detailed as follows:
Date: Thursday, 17 October 2013
Time: 9h00
Venue: Dumisane Makhaye High School, Ward 72, Welbedacht, Ethekwini Municipality
For further enquiries please contact:
Sam Mkhwanazi
KZN Health General Manager: Corporate Communications
Cell: 081 038 2193
