SEDIBENG – Healthcare services are set to move closer to communities after Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Faith Mazibuko unveiled seven additional mobile clinics on August 11.
The mobile clinics were officially handed over at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital as part of efforts to strengthen the Gauteng Department of Health’s mobile healthcare fleet.
Sedibeng is among the districts set to benefit from the new units, which are expected to bring essential primary healthcare services to communities that often struggle to access fixed healthcare facilities.
The rollout forms part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s response to the 10th priority of Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s Gauteng 13 Problems (G13), which focuses on improving services at hospitals and clinics while expanding access to quality healthcare.
Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department had increased its mobile clinic fleet from 46 to 53 units.
“Seven additional mobile clinics were unveiled. This 15% expansion builds on the 16 mobile clinics distributed to clinics across the country. This strengthens the department’s ability to take primary healthcare beyond,” Mabona said.
He added that the fully equipped units would be deployed across various districts, including Sedibeng.
The new distribution means Johannesburg will have 12 mobile clinics, Ekurhuleni 11, Tshwane eight, Sedibeng seven and West Rand 15.
For residents in townships, informal settlements, hostels and farming communities, the mobile clinics could provide a much-needed healthcare lifeline by bringing services directly into communities.
Mabona said the units would provide services including health screening, early detection, HIV and TB prevention, among other primary healthcare services.
The clinics are fitted with essential medical equipment, clinical examination tools, generators, oxygen facilities, refrigeration units and solar-powered systems.
“They should be in a position to serve our people as they will provide health screening, and early detection services, HIV and TB prevention among many others,” Mabona said.
He said the department would monitor the mobile clinics to ensure they were properly maintained, equipped and staffed.
The rollout is expected to strengthen the province’s efforts to reach vulnerable communities and ensure that residents do not have to travel long distances for basic healthcare services.
