Walking long distances in order to access health care services is now a thing of the past for the people of Simunye Township in Westonaria following the official opening of a new community health centre (CHC) with comprehensive services last Friday.
The new Simunye CHC which offers health care services such as integrated management of childhood illnesses, expanded programme of immunisation, curative care of minor ailments, male medical circumcision, HIV counselling and testing, ante-natal care, post-natal care, family planning, integration chronic diseases management, TB management, mental health, oral health services, nutrition, social services, rehabilitation services and optometrist services will not only ensure accessibility to quality healthcare but also bring relief to neighbouring health care facilities.
Delivering a keynote address Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane emphasised that people should take care of health facilities and not vandalise them.
Addressing health professionals and the community Premier Mokonyane said “community members should take pride in the Community Health Centre as it will bring relief as they would not have to waste money and travel long distance to access health care. It will boost primary health care in the province, alleviate accessibility to health care and contribute to the reduction of long queues and waiting times”.
She added that community members should work together with health professionals in preventing lifestyle related diseases by living a healthy life and eating the right food.
MEC Ntombi Mekgwe assured the community that health professionals will do their best to provide quality health care. “Health workers in this community health centre are highly skilled and I am confident that they will provide you with the best health care for the different illnesses that you present to them”
This project is a successful public private partnership initiative between Kloof Gold Mine (Gold Fields International Mining South Africa) which paid for the construction of the clinic, Westonaria Municipality which donated the land on which it is constructed as well as the Gauteng Health Department which is providing necessary equipment, staff, security and general maintenance.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
