Much needed equipment donated to Health Dept
Medical orthotics and prosthetic machines aswell as 300 wheelchairs and 1 700 walking aids were donated by representatives of a local church.
POLOKWANE – The MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba handed over medical orthetics and prosthetic machines at the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital on April 13, after a donation by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the department. The donation is meant to upgrade the prosthetics and orthotics workshop.
In addition to the donation, the department also received 300 wheelchairs and 1 700 walking aids, and four orthotic technicians will be trained at the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital workshop.
In her speech, the MEC indicated that it is not always necessary to put someone in a wheelchair when there is an alternative.
“We should not fail patients, where there is a possibility that we can provide quality of life. If I were involved in trauma, my life should not be confined to the point that I am no longer useful.”
She said she appreciated the training that will be done in terms of prosthetics and orthetics, as proper precautions and measures must be taken to avoid damage.
Among the speakers was the chairperson of People Living with Disabilities in the office of the premier, Ike Thema, who thanked the church for the donation.
He indicated that among the social issues society faces, persons with disabilities are often perceived by others to be unable to do things. He said the donation would go a long way in making it possible for persons with disabilities to live independent lives and take up their rightful positions in society.
