On Wednesday, the MEC for Health will announce an intensified deployment of its Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) throughout the province over the festive season to beef up its response to the demand of the Easter holiday.
Journalists are invited to be part of the function which will be held at Escourt Shell Ultra City on Wednesday morning 20 April 2011 from 08h00.
“The Emergency Medical Services are consistently criticised in the media with regards to the ever-rising incidences of delayed response to emergencies. Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) are recognised as a key component within the health care delivery system,” says MEC Dhlomo. “They are an entry point into health system services when people are under life-threatening circumstances.”
At the function the department’s EMRS personnel will be distributing helpful information and also demonstrating its readiness for the Easter holidays. The emergency vehicles will be placed at strategic points on major routes across the province. This will be done to ensure quick response to major accidents and to raise awareness amongst road users that these services are just a phone call away when needed.
“Of course, the priority should be to prevent accidents. We know that the number of accidents and cases of violence increase significantly during these times. As a result, a large number of people die or get seriously injured while others are left with temporary and permanent disabilities thereby burdening our healthcare system.”
The MEC will also, on Wednesday, visit Mbabazane (Escourt) where he will open a clinic for the community. The MEC has been concerned with reports that a number of pregnant women present to clinics with sexually transmitted infections resulting in a high number (20 000) of stillbirths in the country.
“This estimate aims to improve knowledge about the extent of the problem, and draw public and professional attention to stillbirths as a significant public health issue,” says MEC Dhlomo.
The clinic opening will be held at Ncibidwane clinic in Escourt on Wednesday, 20 April 2011, from 10h00am. Journalists are invited to this event as well.
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
