Pretoria: In recent weeks, pressing infrastructure challenges facing public hospitals have been in the spotlight. The recent incidents, including a patient complaint at Helen Joseph Hospital and two fires at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, have intensified public discourse around the state of healthcare facilities. As the MEC for Health and Wellness in Gauteng, there is a commitment to revitalising health infrastructure for quality patient care.
According to South African Government News Agency, the establishment of an in-house Infrastructure Unit at the Gauteng Department of Health is a step towards improving health infrastructure in the province. This unit has developed a maintenance and refurbishment plan, working closely with facility managers to expedite necessary upgrades.
This initiative marks a shift in managing health infrastructure, which was previously overseen by the Department of Infrastructure Development. Since the formation of the unit, several facilities have undergone maintenance and refurbishments. Notable projects include the overhaul of several areas at Mamelodi Regional Hospital, such as the Radiology department and various wards, to increase bed capacity.
Significant progress continues at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, with completed projects including a new Psychiatric Admission Ward and extensions to the Adult Burns Unit. Edenvale Hospital has seen refurbishments in its Paediatric Ward and other areas. At Rahima Moosa Hospital, renovations of the Breast Milk Bank and Neonatal isolation room are complete.
Helen Joseph Hospital’s Emergency Department, opened in May 2024, boasts improved facilities and infrastructure. Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, affected by a fire four years ago, is undergoing a phased remedial work project, with several areas completed.
These projects highlight the infrastructure revitalisation plan across all five health districts in the province. The aging infrastructure poses challenges, and with Gauteng’s population of around 16 million, there is an increased demand for quality healthcare.
Preparing for the National Health Insurance rollout, the province plans to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and construct new facilities. Projects for new hospitals in Daveyton, Diepsloot, Orange Farm, and Soshanguve are underway, aiming to expand access to healthcare.
The importance of private-public partnerships is recognised, with partners and donors contributing to well-maintained and equipped facilities. These partnerships demonstrate the potential for improving lives and communities through collective effort.
*Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko is the Member of Executive Council in Gauteng Provincial Government responsible for Health and Wellness portfolio.*