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NORTH WEST ON COURSE TO DELIVER WORLD-CLASS HEALTH SERVICE
The opening of nine new ultra-modern and well-equipped specialised units at Klerksdorp/Tshepong/Potchefstroom/Witrand Hospital Complex was described by Dr Molefi Sefularo, MEC for Health, as "a significant development, not only for us in Klerksdorp or the North West, but for the whole country and continent".
Speaking on Tuesday (6 February 2001), Dr Sefularo said, "Our determined efforts since 1994 to reduce service delivery backlogs are paying dividends. This is part of the ongoing process to free our people from the legacy of deprivation and disease. I am confident that these services will play a vital role in saving the lives and restoring the health of our people".
The MEC hopes that the opening of these units will help increase the capacity and opportunity for public-private partnership. They also put the department on par with the best in the private sector. "We intend providing the most sophisticated care that will compare well or even surpass the private sector. In the near future, the department hopes to see medical aid patients using public facilities without fear of poor quality". Dr Sefularo pointed out that whilst the department intended competing with the private sector, they also see the opportunity for public-private partnership". I am proud to point out that these new units compare favourably with the best in the world.
Dr Sefularo pointed out that all people, not only of Klerksdorp and the surrounding areas, will benefit from this development. Through the telemedicine system, all people irrespective of their geographical location will be able to access these specialised services. "Through telemedicine, we will ensure that the expertise and resources located at this hospital, and in these units in particular, will be accessible to all our people in the province, country and continent." The absence of specialists in disadvantaged areas results in unequal access to quality health care. Through telemedicine, the department hopes to address this inequality in health service provision.
Contact:
Cornelius Monama on 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the MEC for Health, North West, 6 February 2001