Govt to ramp up health workforce security
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Tuesday September 24, 2019 15:08
Tsogwane revealed this during the official opening of Magapatona Clinic, which was reconstructed by MOTOVAC Group.
In his address, Tsogwane implored the community to act in its own interest in regards to protection of health care staff that is serving them.
He said that government recognises the role of the health workforce as it is a key contributor in the performance and sustainability of the health system.
He added: “It is in this realisation that we should all strive to create a conducive enviroment for them to provide the much-needed service”.
Tsogwane recalled with sadness some incidents such as the unpleasant verbal and physical abuse that has been directed at health care workers.
He further said to the effect that government through MoH has resolved to beef up security for its 24-hour facilities by engaging more safety measures to protect the health care workers.
He urged the community to also do its part by ensuring that the safety of their workforce is guaranteed.
When speaking about the health facility being launched Tsogwane said that Magapatona Clinic will be initially opened for eight hours a day while arrangements are still to be made to upgrade it into a 24-hour facility.
He said that the clinic, which was built with a tune of P3,000,000 by MOTOVAC Group, would greatly improve access, reduce referrals and unnecessary delays, reduce health inequalities and promote affordable utilisation of health services.
He also said that the heath facility would decongest Tutume Primary Hospital as it would provide service to the catchment’s population of Magapatona, which is estimated to be more than 13,000 people as per the 2011 population and housing census.
Former Member of Parliament for Nkange constituency Edwin Batshu, said he was grateful that Magapatona Clinic would make greater impact on the people living in that community.
He said that before reconstruction of the clinic by MOTOVAC Group there was a small facility where the new Magapatona Clinic sits, which was always congested because it did not meet the demand from the villagers.
He said that even though Magapatona Clinic was now in a better condition they have inadequate health facilities in Matobo and Goshwe villages, which need upgrade for the betterment of the people’s lives.
Batshu added that they have also identified a problem in Makuta village as they do not have a clinic and people there are forced to travel longer distances for medical assistance.
For his part the Tutume Sub District council chairperson, Ishmael Mokgethi pleaded with the vice president to consider changing Nkange and Maitengwe health facilities to 24-hour medical centres because both villages are far from Tutume Primary Hospital.
He said that people from the mentioned communities have to travel longer distance when seeking medical attention after hours.
He also expressed gratitude to Mojanaga Investment for delivering the project on time, unlike other local companies, which often fail to deliver timely when given the same opportunities.