In a continuous effort to improve access to medical care in the province, Gauteng Health MEC, Hope Papo will tomorrow launch Primary Healthcare re-engineering programme in Orange Farm.
This programme, which is undertaken in partnership with the City of Joburg aims at strengthening District Health with emphasis on improving interaction between the health services and patients.
It involves Ward Based Outreach Teams that are active in 49 municipal wards. These teams comprise of a professional nurse, health promoter, environmental health officer and community health workers and they ensure that households are visited and services are offered to frail people in their homes.
Primary healthcare has been further enhanced by ensuring that each CHC has a resident doctor and a specialist family physician. Every health district has a core specialist team, comprising obstetricians and paediatricians to provide guidance to staff at CHCs and clinics within the district.
The overall headcount of patient visits to PHC facilities in province increased from 22 711 585 in 2011/12 to 23 063 294 in 2012/13, presenting a two million increase on the number of expected visits. The increase in visits can be attributed to the ward-based outreach teams who encourage community members to seek healthcare at appropriate levels.
Other efforts by the department include increasing the number of healthcare facilities, extending hours of service and attending to minor issues which may discourage people from using health services.
During this launch, the department will enlighten communities on its efforts to improve health services as well as demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of primary health care by empowering the communities with appropriate information.
Journalists are invited to attend.
Details of the launch are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 31 October 2013
Time: 09h00
Venue: Orange Farm Multi-Purpose Hall
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane on
Cell: 082 551 9892
RSVP:
Phume Khumalo
E-mail: phume.khumalo@gauteng.gov.za
Cell: 082 551 9892
