MEC Masike introduces non-negotiable mandates to improve health outcomes
North West Health MEC, Dr. Magome Masike has introduced the non-negotiable mandates in the management of health facilities to improve health care delivery outcomes.
The non negotiable which, MEC Masike, describes as a drill each facility manager need to carry out everyday include Infection control and cleaning; constant supply of medicines, essential drugs, medical supplies including dry dispensary; medical waste; blood supply; food services; security services; laundry services as well as essential equipment and maintenance of equipment.
Since the non-negotiable were first mentioned in 2011, the Department of Health has seen aggressive measures being implemented to improve health outcomes in the province. “We have installed CCTV cameras at all hospitals to improve security. Introduction of the Non-negotiable mandates has resulted in improved security of our staff and patients, more efficient laundry services at all health facilities.
“We are working around the clock to improve laundry services across the Province and have since started the process of procuring three (3) laundry machines for Mahikeng Provincial Hospital (MPH). This move is a step closer to establish a central laundry for the Ngaka Modiri Molema District,” said MEC Masike. A number of health facilities have been accorded the status of cleanest hospital and community health center in the country.
The availability of essential drugs like anti-retroviral and tuberculosis drugs has stabilised at 96% - 100% since the department took control of the medical depot in 2011. Three years after the Department took over control of the running of the province’s only medical depot, the availability of essential drugs like anti-retroviral and tuberculosis drugs has stabilised.
“We promised to turn around the situation by substantially increasing availability of drugs and medicine. I am happy to report that the situation has improved and continue to improve,” said MEC Masike.
“I need to emphasise that turning around the medical depot is work in progress. The expanded pharmacy at both Ganyesa Hospital and Bloemhof Community Health Centre will help with bulk storage of medication and other essential drugs to substantially add to our efforts of ensuring constant availability of medication in our facilities,” he said.
Ms Annah Bodibe (51) was diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes in 2007. Ms Bodibe says she has never experienced any trouble with her medication at the Bapong Community Health Centre. “I have never missed a date for my follow up visits and always get my treatment, as a result I have never had serious health problems,” said Bodibe when asked about adherence to treatment. Bodibe adds that, though she agrees that patients suffering from other ailments may have experienced shortage of medication, she thinks people tend to exaggerate as they are given generic medication.
When given generic medication, Bodibe says she asks the nurse to explain to her why her pills have changed. She admits to not knowing the exact names of the pills she takes and so recognises them by their appearance.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
