The Gauteng Department of Health’s efforts to improve the quality of health for all South Africans yielded positive results in the first quarter of the current financial year, April to June 2013.
During this period, the department awarded bursaries totalling R45 384 million to those who want to study courses in the health field as well as recruited highly skilled health care workers. Currently, the department has 4 161 bursary holders for both full time and part time students.
Currently there are 106 students studying medicine in Cuba and upon their return they will be placed in various public health facilities in the province. A total of 396 contracts for Basic Pharmacy Assistants learners have been signed and they will be training with the Health Science Academy. Out of the 396, 241 have already commenced with formal training.
The department has placed 19 Clinical Technology Interns in specialised areas like neurology, cardiology and pulmonary thoracic surgical units at academic hospitals. Six Medical Orthotic and Prosthetic interns were placed at Tambo Memorial Hospital.
Also during this period 41 Clinical Associates at all year levels were awarded bursaries, 13 completed the course and have been placed at Gauteng Department of Health various District Hospitals. During the quarter under review, there were 18 new appointments for people with disabilities.
In an effort to improve ambulance availability and improve response times, a total of 120 ambulances are expected before the end of the year. Out of the 120, 40 have been delivered and are being converted.
The department has seen notable improvements in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV. Only 3.2% of babies born to HIV positive mothers tested positive at the age of six weeks.
A total of 171 199 high risk groups benefitted from Peer Education while ward based education initiatives reached more than 1.8 million Gauteng residents. The TB cure rate is at 85.2% and defaulter rate slightly decreased from 4.8% to 4.7%. Community Health Workers continue to conduct home visits and provide psychological support to patients who default as well as encourage others to finish treatment.
To strengthen primary health care, the department has established District Health Specialist Teams in five districts. Also formed were 18 ward based outreach teams and this brings the total number of outreach teams to 67.
Efforts to reduce maternal mortality are also bearing fruit. In the quarter under review, the number of expectant mothers presenting at ante-natal clinics has increased from 37.3% to 39.6%. Educational campaigns encouraging mothers to book early are continuing.
All these efforts are as a result of the Department’s Turnaround strategy 2012-2014 which aims at improving health care in the province.
Department’s spokesperson, Simon Zwane says the department will continue implementing initiatives to better the lives of the people of Gauteng.
“We are hopeful that the department’s efforts to improve the quality of healthcare will ensure an efficient and effective health system,” he says.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
