The Limpopo Provincial 2010 FIFA Health Committee is pleased with the progress made towards the final preparations for the FIFA World Cup scheduled for June this year. The committee met over the weekend and confirmed that the following hospitals have been prepared for the World Soccer Cup: Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital Complex, Lebowakgomo, Mokopane, Seshego and Polokwane–Medi Clinic Hospital.
Key facilities at these hospitals such as theatre operations, trauma centres and intensive care units have gone through an intensive checking process and will therefore be ready to handle any casualty during the FIFA matches.
The department has also identified the need to establish a medical operation centre at the provincial offices of the Department of Health and Social Development linked to the stadium whenever there are games. The centre will have a telephone line, two-way radio, television, laptop, emergency lighting system, fire extinguishers and first-aid equipment. The environmental health practitioners from the department and the Capricorn District Municipality will be working jointly to render any environmental health service before and during the event.
At the moment, the following mobile services have been arranged for the FIFA World Cup games scheduled to take place in Limpopo:
* Eight emergency response vehicles to be stationed at the stadium and at the fan park
* Five disaster busses (two have already arrived and the remaining three will be ready in April)
* Five rescue vehicles (delivered and already operational)
* One helicopter (for aero medical services)
* Five mobile intensive care unit (ICU) ambulances.
It is expected that the 548 posts for Emergency Medical Officers (EMS) will be filled before the commencement of the soccer games in June. At the moment, there are about 1 500 EMS personnel who will be working during the FIFA World Cup Soccer games.
Enquiries:
Selby Makgotho
Cell: 082 907 5082
E-mail: makgothoms@dhw.norprov.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Limpopo Provincial Government
8 February 2010
