The Gauteng Health Ministry distributed 16 Volkswagen Crafter mobile clinics on Thursday to five health districts in the province.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko explained the mobile clinics serve to narrow the health divide, ensuring that underprivileged communities have access to quality healthcare.
“With these mobile clinics now deployed across the province, we are bringing healthcare services directly to the people, ensuring that even the most remote and underserved communities have access to essential health interventions,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The MEC noted the mobile clinics will be deployed in various areas across five of the province’s major metros.
Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni each received four mobile clinics, while three were allocated to Sedibeng, and one to the West Rand.
This latest addition takes the total number of mobile clinics in West Rand to 13, further strengthening healthcare delivery in the district.
Sedibeng District acting director, Ditshebo Pepenene, highlighted people in remote areas will now have access to healthcare, instead of spending substantial amounts of money on transport to access healthcare facilities.
“I am so happy about the three mobiles we have received today. They will contribute significantly to bringing services to informal settlements like Marikana, which has grown substantially and is in dire need of healthcare services. Taking a mobile clinic there will do a lot of good for that community,” she said.
Chief Director for Johannesburg District, Mogeru Morewane, echoed her words and emphasised the role of mobile clinics in ongoing outreach programs.
“We have outreach campaigns in the district called Corner to Corner and Siza Kuwe. Having these extra mobile clinics will go a long way in increasing access to underserved communities in Johannesburg.
“We will ensure that the clinics are staffed with professional healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, to deliver quality healthcare services,” said Morewane.
Nkomo-Ralehoko notably said the mobile clinics feature state-of-the-art equipment, making them literal health facilities on the road.
The mobile clinics have a BP machine, glucose test, ear, nose and throat emergency kit; examination bed and light, air conditioner, microwave, fridge, oxygen point, fire hydrant, extension cable, a toilet and an inverter.
“The mobile clinics will provide essential health services in townships, informal settlements and hostels, including TB, STI, and diabetes screening, pregnancy testing, child immunisation, deworming, and HIV testing, amongst others,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
She added: “The department remains committed to improving healthcare accessibility and ensuring that all communities, regardless of their location, receive the care they need.”
The department will this week announce the areas the mobile clinics are scheduled to start operating in.
The Star