Gauteng Department of Health distributes mobile clinics
The distribution saw four mobile clinics allocated to Tshwane, four to Johannesburg, four to Ekurhuleni, three to Sedibeng, and one to West Rand.
With an effort to ensure that quality healthcare services reach communities that need them the most, the Gauteng Department of Health distributed 16 mobile health clinics to the province’s five districts on February 21.
These Volkswagen Crafter mobile clinics were officially handed over by the MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who emphasised their significance in closing healthcare access gaps.
“With these mobile clinics now deployed across the province, we are bringing healthcare services directly to the people, ensuring that even the most remote and underserved communities have access to essential health interventions,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
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The distribution saw four mobile clinics allocated to Tshwane, four to Johannesburg, four to Ekurhuleni, three to Sedibeng, and one to West Rand.
This latest addition takes the total number of mobile clinics in West Rand to 13, further strengthening healthcare delivery in the district.
The newly allocated mobile clinics are equipped with a BP machine, glucose tests, scales for adults and children, ear, nose and throat set, emergency kit, examination bed, examination light, microwave, hand washing basin, fridge, cupboard for medication, oxygen point, oxygen cylinder, fire hydrant, extension cable, toilet and an inverter.
They are aimed to provide essential health services in townships, informal settlements and hostels. Services include TB, STI, and diabetes screening; pregnancy testing; child immunisation; deworming; and HIV testing, amongst others.
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“These mobile clinics will be strategically deployed across the province to maximise their impact. In Johannesburg the clinics will be serving Kokotela, Mokokotlong, Drieziek, Ga Malatji Diepsloot, Emnandini, Zandspruit, Jerusalem, Princess, Tshepisong West, and various hostels. The Gauteng Department of Health remains committed to improving healthcare accessibility and ensuring that all communities, regardless of their location, receive the care they need.”
The chief director for Johannesburg District, Mogeru Morewane, emphasised the role of mobile clinics in ongoing outreach programmes. “We have outreach campaigns in the district called Corner to Corner and Siza Kuwe. Having these extra mobile clinics will go a long way in increasing access to underserved communities in Johannesburg.
“We will ensure that the clinics are staffed with professional healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, to deliver quality healthcare services,” she stated.
The department will announce next week where the mobile clinics will begin operating, providing residents with clear information on how to access these vital services.
