23 August 2007
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Ms Neliswa Nkonyeni, last night (22 August
2007) launched a health care worker volunteer programme that was started by
health workers from uThungulu District. The project is called Khanya Africa and
has succeeded to recruit more than 100 health professionals into volunteer
service.
The categories of professionals involved include: Medical Officers,
Specialists (Obstetrics & Gynaecologists, Paediatricians), Therapists,
Nurses, Radiographers, Academic Researchers and other faculties of medical
care. They are all willing to sacrifice their spare time to attend to those in
poor health.
During the launch the MEC said: "I truly respect and appreciate this
unselfish gesture and deliberate effort on your part to unreservedly give your
time, expertise, intellectual capital and positive energy for the benefit of
others, and this time, without expecting anything in return. You have redefined
for ordinary people in this province the ethics of giving and volition. This, I
respect with my honesty and sincerity."
The project was started following the recent floods that affected the
eSikhawini area and they grouped together to help the people who needed medical
care. Following this they have volunteered and assisted their colleagues who
are facing staff shortages in hospitals like eShowe, eKhombe, Ntumeni and they
are going to be reaching out to all those who are in need of health care. The
specialists will educate and train clinic personnel to deal with complications
that they face.
This programme received a donation of a vehicle from Richards Bay Minerals
during this launch and it is hoped that other business organisations will
follow suit.
For further information, please contact:
Leon Mbangwa
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 083 459 8695
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
23 August 2007
