POSITIVE OUTCOMES FROM OVERSIGHT VISIT TO COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES IN WESTRAND

The Portfolio Committee on Health and Wellness led by Hon. Adv. Ezra Letsoalo conducted a successful oversight visit to three Community Health Care Centres—Randfontein CHC, Mohlakeng CHC, and Thusong Clinic—in the Westrand region of Gauteng on Friday, 23 August 2024. This visit was part of the Committee’s ongoing oversight commitment and mandate to ensure that health services are effectively delivered to communities.

The oversight visit provided valuable insights into the operations and achievements of these Community Health Centres, as well as the challenges they face. The Committee 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

Progress on Infrastructure Development: The Committee noted that the Randfontein Community Health Centre is currently 70% complete, with some challenges acknowledged by the Department of Health in achieving full completion. The Committee anticipates a comprehensive update in September from both the Department of Infrastructure Development and the Department of Health, 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 supports the introduction of panic buttons linked to the South African Police Services (SAPS) in healthcare facilities. 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 recognizes the importance of a centralized patient information system for Gauteng Health Services. The need to expedite the synchronization of various ICT systems into one cohesive platform was highlighted as a priority, which will streamline operations and improve patient care.

Commendations

The Committee commends 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 (ECD) centres and primary schools for immunizations, and the operation of mobile clinics that reach remote areas.

The Committee is 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 Westrand. 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”; concludes Ezra Letsoalo, Chairperson of the Health Portfolio Committee.