EASTERN CAPE ON COURSE FOR BETTER AND ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE SERVICES FOR ALL

He emphasised on progress and impact of the scaling up of healthcare programmes targeted at children and women. He stated that these have seen immunisation of children under one year reach a high of more than 82%,reduction in under five years’ mortality rate and reduction in deaths due to diarrhoea, pneumonia and severe acute malnutrition. He also mentioned a significant drop in the rate of deaths of mothers.

Premier Mabuyane said, “We remain cautiously optimistic that the efforts of encouraging women to book before 20 weeks of pregnancy, training staff on emergency steps and the investment in machinery, as well as equipment are starting to show that we are providing better and safer care for pregnant women the province”.

He reiterated government’s commitment to accelerate the rehabilitation service for cerebral palsy patients through the Rehabilitation Centres of Excellence in the province which include Nelson Mandela Academic Central Hospital, Cecilia Makiwane and Frere Hospital academic complex; as well as Dora Nginza Hospital.

“To this effect, critical posts have been filled and R4, 5 million has been invested in rehabilitation services including specialised machinery and equipment. We have resourced the establishment of a second oncology facility in the Nelson Mandela Central Academic Hospital. This is a significant step towards equitable access to health care services and it provides a referral catchment for cancer patients on the eastern side of the province” , said Premier.

Speaking on the recent judgement on medico legal, Premier Mabuyane said the high court has offered government relief on unsustainable cash out-flows, in terms of lump sum payments. He also said that the judgement further imposes responsibility and obligation to strengthen public health care systems and reaffirms the responsibility that officials, must serve diligently and act ethically