The Gauteng public healthcare facilities saw the delivery of more than 150 babies between 00:00 and 12:00 on New Year’s Day.

Health MEC, Nomathemba Mokgethi, visited Rahima Moosa Mother and Child hospital in the Johannesburg district on Saturday morning, to welcome the newborn babies, and celebrate with their parents, pampering them with gifts.

Mokgethi said academic hospitals delivered 29 babies, many being delivered at Chris Hani Baragwanath with 15 new-borns, followed by Dr George Mukhari in Ga-Rankuwa, Tshwane with eight deliveries.

“Tertiary hospitals delivered a total of 19 babies with Kalafong delivering eight and Tembisa 11.”

She said the numbers from the last 12 hours and a final statement, would be released on Sunday, inclusive of all 24-hour clinics in practice.

Mokgethi reminded all that the Covid-19 was still an issue and encouraged pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families from severe illness, hospitalisation or death in the event that they contracted the virus.

“I want to take this opportunity to wish a happy and prosperous New Year to all the parents who welcomed their babies,” said Mokgethi.