Gauteng
15 August 2006
A new high-tech Breast Cancer Clinic built at a total cost of R16,9 million
will be opened today, 15 August, at Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg.
Health MEC Brian Hlongwa will officially unveil the facility which is the
first of its kind in the public sector and boasts the latest technology for
immediate diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer by highly qualified
specialists in the field.
The opening forms part of the national celebration of womenâs month and
dedicated to the improvement of the quality of health of women in Gauteng.
Hlongwa said this event is significant because it is happening in a month of
paying tribute to the women of the land who, 50 years ago rose up and
challenged an unjust system of government that existed then.
âAmong the leaders of that historic womanâs March to Pretoria was Helen
Joseph, a courageous leader after whom we have named the hospital.
âThe opening of this specialised breast clinic in this hospital therefore is
a tribute and honour that we, in the Health Department are paying to Helen
Joseph, a distinguished leader, community builder and campaigner for freedom
and human rights.â
Hlongwa added that the establishment of this centre of excellence that will
be second to none anywhere in the province was an important milestone.
âWith this initiative we will be able to reduce waiting times for breast
cancer surgery, train our specialists using the latest technology and deliver
breast cancer services to patients in a co-ordinated and cost-effective
manner,â he said.
The department plans to consolidate breast services with the development of
a single Centre of Excellence that is nationally renowned.
Date: Tuesday, 15 August 2006
Venue: Helen Joseph Hospital
Time: 14h00-16h00
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 083 785 5415
Tel: (011) 355 3870
Issued by: Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial Government
15 August 2006
