No queues at provincial hospitals should be the new standard for excellence, North West Premier Thandi Modise challenged provincial health authorities, hospital boards and health professionals at the MEC’s Health Awards held at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on Friday.
“Access to quality health care if for us Wafa Wafa - a do or die. Though the province has been declared the best performing province in antiretrival and tuberculosis drug availability and is among the best in having reduced queues at its hospitals. we want a situation where there is no queue at all at our hospitals, ” emphasised Premier Modise.
The Premier announced that the province is moving towards piloting 24 hours Primary Health Care services at all its clinics in villages because South Africa must be equal everywhere.
In a stern message against corruption, Premier Modise said that her administration will unashamedly and unapologetically demand value for money.
In congratulating the nominees and winners, Premier Modise applauded the new initiatives for the establishment of maternity waiting homes, human milk banks, purchase of a helicopter ambulance, 10 obstetrics ambulances and 25 ambulances.
MEC for Health Dr Magome Masike said that the department is discouraging mediocrity at all costs and under the visionary leadership of Premier Modise, health as a priority of the ANC led government has improved in the province and achieved great milestones.
Masike reminded awards ceremony that it was under Premier Modise’s leadership that the province increased by a 1000% its recruitment of student for the Cuban doctors training programme from 10 per year to 182 and trained over a thousand nurses in the past two years.
Among the Infrastructure projects that MEC Masike highlighted to be under construction include the R500 million Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital outside Mahikeng, Extension of Witrand and Job Shimankana Tabane Provincial Hospitals and construction of new clinics in Mathibestat, Lekgophung, three Sekhing, Tweelingspan and Buxton in Taung.
Job Shimakana Tabane in Rustenburg was awarded the best performing provincial hospital in the province.
Taung Hospital scooped the best performing district hospital while its neighbour, the Reivilo Health Centre emerged as the winner in the best health performing centre category.
Bojanala District came tops as the best performing district with Lebotlwane Clinic winning the best performing clinic. Runners up in the best performing clinics category were Ga-Habedi and oukasie Clinics also from Bojanala.
The best performing Emergency Medical Rescue Service(EMRS) also went to Moretele EMRS from Bojanala District, Mamusa EMRS in second place and Kgetleng EMRS also from Bojanala in third place.
The Provincial Medical Depot received recognition for ensuring drug availability across all health facilities in the province.
Tebogo Malelete from Madibeng EMRS in Bojanala District and Madimetja Mpya from Klerksdorp Excelsius College were among recipients of special awards.
Member of the National Essential Drugs List Committee, Professor KP Mokhobo from Potchefstroom Hospital was among the doctors who received the MEC’s Special Award.
Other doctors who received the award were Dr Theunis Gertse Kruger Oosthuizen from Witrand Hospital,Dr. Manuel Sanchez-Martinez and Dr. Binu Luke from Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex and Dr N Mphothulo from Taung Hospital.
The best performing former CEO was scooped by Mr Cunninghan from Witrand Hospital.
The department’s Sports Organiser, Connie Ratseane, the Netball and Soccer teams also received recognition awards for winning provincial and nationally during the Public Service Games.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Environment Services in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, Councillor Violet Molotsi said that while most awards went to Bojanala, the spread of the recipients represents the strive for excellence that is across the province.
The auspicious event was also graced by Member of Parliament serving on the Portfolio on Health, Morwesi Segale-Diswai.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
