VANDERBIJLPARK – Vanderbijlpark residents can look forward to improved access to healthcare following the opening of the new Johan Heyns Gateway Clinic. Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Faith Mazibuko and Emfuleni executive mayor Hassan Mako officially opened the modern facility on October 13.

The new clinic features 35 purpose-built spaces, including 13 consultation rooms, an emergency room, a triage and vitals area, a physiotherapy room, and a dispensary.

It also uses a digital patient-flow system that lets doctors send prescriptions straight to the pharmacy, helping to reduce waiting times and boost efficiency.

An on-site Gauteng Emergency Medical Services base will also strengthen emergency responses for Vanderbijlpark and surrounding areas.

The facility was built after the old Johan Heyns Community Health Centre closed for redevelopment into a district hospital, which will expand local healthcare even further once finished.

Meanwhile, Heidelberg residents welcomed their own new healthcare upgrade when MEC Mazibuko opened the Heidelberg Clinic on October 14. This spacious new building includes an emergency room, doctor and nurse consultation rooms, a pharmacy, and a reception area.

Both clinics provide a wide range of primary healthcare services, such as chronic disease management, HIV and TB care, antenatal care, family planning, maternal and child healthcare, mental health support, rehabilitation, and youth programmes alongside community outreach.

Mazibuko said that these new facilities show the provincial government is committed to investing in modern healthcare that meets community needs. She also urged residents to protect the buildings from vandalism and crime to safeguard public health assets for future generations.