Access to needed health services at health facilities in the North West Province is improving as the department continues to recruit more health professionals.
More than 630 health professionals have been appointed in provincial health facilities from April to August 2010. Appointments include 84 nursing assistants, 30 staff nurses, 19 medical officers, 42 medical specialist, 30 emergency care officers, 23 professional nurses, 39 emergency care assistance, 102 student nurses, dieticians and pharmacists. These appointments were done in a bid to ensure improved access to quality health care services delivery in public health facilities.
The move follows a commitment by MEC Rebecca Kasienyane at the Provincial Health Consultative Forum in March 2010 to fill critical vacant posts at public health facilities, which contribute to extended waiting period. The health professionals are already contributing extensively to the provision of appropriate quality health services in clinics, hospitals and health programmes.
The department continues to respond faster to improve the health status of communities through implementation of integrated health programme, provide accessible, equitable and affordable comprehensive primary health care service.
Despite various measures to increase access to health care, the province faces the challenge of retaining medical professionals. However, the department remains hopeful that pursuit goal for universal access to quality health care services will be reached.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
For more information contact:
Ngwako Motsieng
Tel: 018 387 5740
Cell: 082 964 8838
E-mail:nmotsieng@nwpg.gov.za or nmotsieng@gmail.com
