The Gauteng MEC for Health Ms Qedani Mahlangu has urged citizens to be cautious on the roads this festive season and avoid drinking and driving.
MEC Mahlangu further added that people should take care of themselves and avoid substance abuse which might lead to road accidents and violence therefore overburdening public health facilities.
MEC also emphasised that all members of the community should take charge of their health ultimately reducing their reliance on the health system for minor illnesses.
Since the beginning of the festive season, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic hospital treated 949 trauma cases while Charlotte Maxeke Academic attended to 468. These trauma cases include stabbings, gunshots, motor vehicle and pedestrian vehicle accidents.
“In order to minimise overburdening facilities and focusing more on trauma cases rather than other ailments, I urge drivers not to drink and drive or abuse any other substances. We also appeal to all drivers to go to any health facility and undergo an eye, diabetes and epilepsy tests as these conditions if not properly monitored can be contributory factors in road accidents.
“Someone who has diabetes for an example needs to take their daily medication, have regular meals, intervals to rest and stretch to avoid feeling dizzy and their vision blurred leading to them losing control of the car,” said MEC Mahlangu.
The department is confident that the measures put in place will assist us to deal with any incidents that may occur.
Emergency personnel, vehicles and equipment will be available for the duration of the festive season to ensure that citizens receive quality healthcare.
In our effort to ensure that these happen, the department has recently purchased additional ambulances in the current financial to improve response times.
MEC Mahlangu also urged communities to donate blood and save a life this festive season. The blood is vitally needed by hospitals especially during the holidays as the number of people in need of surgery or blood transfusion increases due to road accidents amongst other reasons. This is done in support of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in their attempts to collect blood.
“We also plead with those residents who will be travelling to malaria endemic areas such as Kruger National Park, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya and Somalia to visit public health facilities for medical check-ups and also take anti-malarial medication to protect themselves and those who will be in contact with them upon return,” said the MEC.
For more information please contact
Steve Mabona
Spokesperson
Cell: 072 574 3860
For media enquiries:
Email: mediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za
