The Portfolio Committee on Health and Wellness, led by Chairperson Advocate Ezra Letsoalo, said it conducted a successful oversight visit to three Community Health Care Centres - Randfontein CHC, Mohlakeng CHC, and Thusong Clinic - on the West Rand, Johannesburg, on Friday.
This visit was part of the committee’s ongoing oversight commitment and mandate to ensure that health services are effectively delivered to communities.
The committee said the oversight visit provided valuable insights into the operations and achievements of these Community Health Centres, as well as the challenges they face.
It said it was particularly impressed by the dedication of healthcare professionals and the innovative solutions being implemented to meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Key observations and highlights of the committee include:
Progress on Infrastructure Development: It noted that the Randfontein Community Health Centre is currently 70% complete, with some challenges acknowledged by the Health Department in achieving full completion. The Committee said it anticipates a comprehensive update in September from both the Infrastructure Development and Health departments, where a revised project plan will be presented, outlining the remaining steps towards the timely completion of this crucial facility.
Enhanced Security Measures: In response to Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s directive on improving community safety, the committee said it supports the introduction of panic buttons linked to the South African Police Services in healthcare facilities. It said this initiative will provide an additional layer of security for both patients and healthcare workers, helping to curb crime and ensure a safer environment at Community Health Centres.
Advancing ICT Integration: The committee said it recognises the importance of a centralised patient information system for Gauteng Health Services. It said the need to expedite the synchronisation of various ICT systems into one cohesive platform was highlighted as a priority, which will streamline operations and improve patient care.
The committee commended the visited Community Health Centres for their exemplary work in delivering essential healthcare services to their communities. Noteworthy achievements include the effective functionality of the Health Patient Registration System, strong collaborations with Early Childhood Development centres and primary schools for immunisations, and the operation of mobile clinics that reach remote areas.
The committee was particularly impressed by the proactive health education initiatives aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy, with current data showing that less than 10% of patients in the visited healthcare facilities are teenagers presenting due to pregnancy.
Additionally, the healthcare facilities benefit from the daily presence of medical doctors, and they boast a fully-fledged EMS programme with dedicated teams and fully equipped ambulances.
“The Portfolio Committee on Health and Wellness is pleased with the overall performance of the visited Community Health Centres in the West Rand. The dedication of healthcare professionals and the ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery are commendable, and the committee looks forward to continued progress in these vital areas,” said Ezra Letsoalo, chairperson of the Health Portfolio Committee.
The Star