Eastern Cape Department of Health (Ecdoh) MEC, Honourable Helen Sauls August has emphasised the recognition of women while speaking during the Opening of Qutsa Clinic in Mahlubini Area at the Cofimvaba Village near Mthatha on Friday.
Being the only woman sitting with men in front of a fully packed tent she stressed that the Senior Government officials including Executive Mayor of Chris Hani District Municipality and Intsika Yethu Local Municipality and ANC MPL in that more women should be elected to participate in Senior positions of Leadership to represent their communities.
“I am a diployee of the African National Congress (ANC) and I’m not afraid of that “said the MEC, Hon. Helen Sauls August delivering her Keynote Address at the Opening of the Clinic.
“We are here because of the recognition of Primary Health Care” she added. She praised the Community of Cuba that has assisted South Africa in educating the Youth in the field of Medicine.
“In the clinic we will be dealing with all types of diseases not only HIV/AIDS and TB and our Nurses and Doctors are highly trained. We want to have a faster way of dispensing chronic medication. In this facility we need to build partnership with church organisations to ensure that chronic medication is dispensed sooner,” she said.
She also emphasised that Community Health Workers should work hand in hand with Ward based Workers in the delivery of National Health Insurance and Integrated School Programme including sight and hearing amongst school children.
“It is your responsibility to know your health status as parents. Our people are sick and do not eat healthy food. This facility was built at a cost of R18.5 Million, as community you need to look after it and you need to own it because the community comes first. You need to celebrate this achievement,” said the MEC
You need to come together and look after the clinic. This facility will bring a better healthcare for all our communities.
The MEC encouraged male communities never to be afraid to see doctors and nurses as they are the people that will help them.
She added that the Health Department will make sure that chronic medication is available at the clinic for the elder members of the community and the nurses will visit schools in the surrounding areas. She emphasised that the nurses of the facility should look after the Cofimvaba community and the community members should trust them because they are learned professionals.
BF Khumalo
