The media is invited as the MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo unveils the Department of Health’s preparedness plan for the festive season which is characterised by road accidents, high number of violent cases, suicides, drownings and rapes.
The event will take place at along the N2 South Bound, near Umgababa Shell Ultra, from 07h30 on Friday, 9 December 2011.
There will be photo and interview opportunities. For voice interviews please contact Chris Maxon at 083 447 2869.
The MEC is expected to announce the amplified coverage of the major routes along the N2 and N3 as well as the number of staff who will be working to respond to the medical emergencies throughout the province.
“Injury is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity and in this country the burden of diseases as a result of injury and violence has reached epidemic stage,” says MEC Dhlomo ahead of the event. “Generally I believe we all agree that the best way to reduce rates of death or disability from life-threatening injuries is to prevent them.”
Last year, the Department of Health’s Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) attended to 599 incidents involving about 2000 people. These are not only related to incidents along the major routes and/or in the urban areas but include townships and villages. There will also be a display of new technology and resources that have been added to improve the quality of service.
This year the department will increase the ambulance fleet by 49 more ambulances. In September the service was boasted with 332 ambulance attendance, 55 Intermediate Life Support officers and 18 Advanced Life Support officers and they will be deployed over the festive season.
The MEC will also assure the general public; “I would like to assure you that our operation centres will be operating with full staff complement and urge people to call 10177 whenever they need emergency medical care. They may also call our toll free centre at 0800 00 5133 when they face problems.”
Remember that “Safety is health”, and we must know that safety, like being healthy, will not happen by chance. Achieving and sustaining safety requires deliberate action from all in society.”
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
