Thousands have already opted for new contraceptive
Over 14 800 women in Ekurhuleni have already had the sub-dermal contraceptive device inserted at public facilities since March
THE days of forgetting to take the pill or missing an appointment for the next injection are over.
A new sub-dermal implant contraceptive is now available at 88 primary health care facilities across Ekurhuleni.
Since the launch of the implant into public health facilities by Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, in February this year, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has trained 142 of its nurses to be competent in inserting the implant without supervision.
“Upon completing a short course, each trainee is required to practically insert five implants under supervision at a clinic before becoming accredited. This is to ensure that the staff member is competent and can therefore implant independently,” said the manager for maternal health, childcare and women’s Health, Dr Zodwa Mabange.
The contraceptive device is inserted underneath the skin on the inner side of a woman’s upper arm and has proven to be a popular method of contraceptive.
It is said that over 14 800 women in Ekurhuleni have already had the sub-dermal contraceptive device inserted at public facilities since March.
“Since we began with the rollout we have received positive feedback from women and no cases of side effects have been reported,” added Mabange.
The metro is continuing to train more of its nurses and soon women who visit Motsamai Clinic, Germiston City Clinic, Selope Thema Clinic and Spartan Clinic will also have the option to utilise this form of contraception. Presently they are being referred to nearby clinics.
