Department of health campaign brings vital healthcare services to Hammanskraal residents
Hundreds of New Eersterust residents accessed free health screenings, immunisations, HIV and TB testing, women's health services and other essential healthcare interventions as the Gauteng Department of Health took services directly to the community through its Siyabaphilisa Siyabalapha outreach campaign.
The Gauteng Department of Health, in partnership with various stakeholders, brought essential healthcare services directly to residents through the Siyabaphilisa Siyabalapha campaign on May 29.
The campaign was held at the Yizo Yizo Sports Ground, New Eersterust in Hammanskraal.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Faith Mazibuko led the campaign that aims to take healthcare services directly to communities and ensure that residents have easier access to quality healthcare closer to where they live.
The outreach programme forms part of the Township, Informal Settlements and Hostels (TISH) programme, which focuses on bringing government services closer to previously disadvantaged communities that face challenges in accessing healthcare facilities due to distance, transport costs and other barriers.
Residents from New Eersterust in Hammanskraal were able to access a comprehensive package of healthcare services during the outreach.
These included comprehensive health screenings, oral health services, HIV and TB testing and screening, Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) services, routine vaccinations, COVID-19 vaccinations, family planning services, Vitamin A supplementation, deworming treatment for children, and Pap smear screenings for women.
The services were aimed at promoting preventative healthcare, encouraging early detection of illnesses and ensuring that residents receive essential healthcare interventions within their community.
Healthcare professionals also provided health education and referrals for further treatment where required.
Mazibuko emphasised the importance of ensuring that healthcare services reach every community across the province during the campaign.
“This campaign will be ongoing, and we will be visiting communities across the province to ensure that our people can easily access healthcare services. We want to ensure healthcare for all and leave no one behind,” she said.
She added that community outreach programmes play an important role in strengthening primary healthcare by bringing services closer to residents and encouraging them to take an active role in maintaining their health and well-being.
Hammanskraal resident Ester Mokoena, is one of the residents who benefited from the campaign when she brought her child to access immunisation services.
“I brought my child for immunisation services today, and I am grateful that these services were available right here in our community. As a parent, it is important to ensure that children receive their vaccinations on time, but transport costs can sometimes be a challenge. Having healthcare professionals come to us makes a big difference and helps families access the care they need,” said Mokoena.
She welcomed the initiative, saying it provided parents with an opportunity to access healthcare services without the inconvenience and expense of travelling long distances.
Another Hammanskraal resident, Palesa Mogale, who accessed women’s health services during the campaign, praised the initiative for making healthcare more accessible to women.
“I came for a Pap smear screening and other women’s health services. Many women delay seeking healthcare because they are busy taking care of their families or cannot always afford to travel to healthcare facilities. Bringing these services closer to us encourages women to prioritise their health and get screened before problems become serious,” said Mogale.
Mogale said outreach programmes such as Siyabaphilisa Siyabalapha campaign help create awareness about the importance of preventative healthcare and encourage residents to make use of the services available to them.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare through initiatives such as Siyabaphilisa Siyabalapha, ensuring that more residents have access to healthcare services and wellness programmes within their communities.
As the campaign continues to roll out across Gauteng, Mazibuko said the Department hopes to reach more communities, improve health outcomes, promote a culture of wellness through people-centred healthcare services.
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