NW Health Department Welcomes SANDF Military Health Services
The North West Department of Health has welcomed the arrival of the South African Military Health Services wing to the province's health facilities particularly around Mahikeng. The SANDF arrived last night, 20 April 2018.
It’s been weeks since the Province has been experiencing unprecedented pressure on the health system due to disruptions that occurred in a number of health facilities. The latest community protests contributed immensely to the challenges faced by the Department. The environment has since not been conducive for some of our health professionals especially the nurses, to provide uninterrupted health services as they feared for their lives.
North West Health MEC Dr Magome Masike has since been engaged in talks with the National Ministry, the SANDF and authorities in the country to avail the services of the military health services.
"First I applaud the commitment by some of our health professionals who have dedicated themselves and take their oath of service to heart to service our people in the midst of the current volatile situation. One such doctor is Dr Mothupi at Mahikeng Provincial Hospital", said MEC Dr Masike
The MEC, this morning said that, "the arrival of the SANDF military health services comes at a time of dire need of their services, skills and expertise".
"We were pushed by the dire need to help our people, to provide healthcare despite the current volatile situation. We know that the military health professionals have been involved in peace support operations in other African countries. Their nurses are required to provide health care to peacekeepers working in foreign countries, often in resource-poor environments. Their experience is much needed now in our Province," said MEC Masike
Meanwhile the availability of essential drugs and medical supplies is also improving in health facilities following a decision to allow managers to directly source medication from suppliers. This is over and above an earlier decision to request the National Department of Health to assist with direct deliveries to health facilities since the provincial medical depot was not accessible.
The Department also commends the support of the South African Association of Hospitals and Institutional Pharmacists (SAAHIP) who are planning to use their network of private hospitals to collect and distribute medical supplies. They have requested a list of critical items and the quantities required. The plan for the Department is to then collect the items in a private facility per district where the province or district will sources the items.
"The Department still believes in mutual and peaceful means to a settlement that will satisfy all parties involved in talks to end the current challenges and labour unrest. Saving lives of our people by providing quality health services remains the objective of the Department," said MEC Dr Magome Masike.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
