RUST-TER-VAAL.- The MEC for Health and Wellness, Faith Mazibuko, and the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Executive Mayor, Hassan Mako, recently officially reopened Rust-Ter-Vaal Clinic following its closure for refurbishment this week.

The upgraded facility has six consultation rooms, including one doctor’s consultation room, an emergency room, a pharmacy, a dry stock room and an enclosed waiting area.

The clinic provides chronic and acute care, antenatal services, emergency services, immunisation services, HIV counselling and treatment adherence support, as well as dietetic and social work services. Additional facilities include a staff room, a records room for filing and a medical waste room.

“The refurbishment forms part of the department’s elevated infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening healthcare services and improving the wellbeing of communities,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the reopening marks another important step toward improving healthcare access and ensuring communities have facilities that meet their everyday needs.

The improved clinic will help ease the burden on residents who previously had to travel long distances for basic medical attention, bringing much-needed relief to patients and their families.

For Mako, it is satisfying to see public infrastructure delivered into the hands of the people it is meant to serve.

The mayor urged community members to take ownership of the facility, protect it against vandalism, and ensure that it remains in good condition for the benefit of current and future generations.

He further reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to support the maintenance and longevity of public infrastructure.

Mako said, “The reopening of Rus-ter-Vaal Clinic is about restoring dignity and bringing essential healthcare services closer to our people. We urge the community to take ownership of this facility, protect it, and work with us to ensure that it continues to serve generations to come. Development is meaningful when our people can feel and experience its impact in their daily lives.”

While the clinic was closed, patients were transported to Market Avenue Clinic in Vereeniging to receive medical attention.