The little patients who will be going to the Far Eastrand hospital to recover from operations or receive treatment for chronic illnesses will be doing so in a brand new ward complete with teddy bear wall paper, TV room, new cots and new linen thanks to governments partnership with private companies.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane praised private companies whose partnerships with government helped with the refurbishment of a paediatric ward at Far Eastrand Hospital in Springs.
Mokonyane last Friday delivered a keynote address at the opening of upgraded paediatric ward.
The refurbishment was brought about through the hospital’s Private Partnership Initiatives (PPI) which encourages private companies to offer assistance to the hospital.
The Premier could not contain her excitement and joy at the news that government has the ear and support of the private sector and she further committed government to a long-term partnership.
“To all those companies who have contributed you have shown that you are true compatriots.
As we say in isiZulu izandla ziyagezana unfortunately I can’t say that in English, it would lose its meaning. I am humbled by this partnership.
Everywhere we go, we look for partners and in you Terry Seiler PPI’s representative we have found a partner,” said a visibly content Mokonyane.
Seiler whose been tasked with leading the partnership between private sector and the Far Eastrand Hospital by the hospital’s management said the collaboration was a success.
“It is working (Private Partnership Initiatives) we’ve got so many companies that we work with and as result we’ve managed to raise R120 000 in two weeks to refurbish the paediatric ward.
We are grateful to all the companies who have contributed and they are too many to mention,” said Seiler proudly.
Furthermore, Mokonyane promised to rope in Seiler to help in three other hospitals around the province that are in desperate need of assistance.
“Marriages can be broken but this partnership must be cherished forever. What you are doing is contributing to nation building.
We want partnerships with the private sector so we can improve our turnaround time and in the process improve the quality of service in our institutions, so we can turn them into institutions of hope,” stressed Mokonyane.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
12 April 2010
Source: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za)
