The Gauteng Department of Health has made significant strides in improving healthcare infrastructure, with new developments unveiled at Mamelodi Regional Hospital.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, officially opened new wards and refurbished units at this hospital and elsewhere, signalling progress in the department's mission to upgrade healthcare facilities across the province.
Nkomo-Ralehoko’s address comes at a time when the province is under pressure to meet the growing healthcare needs of its population, which has now reached nearly 16 million, according to the latest figures from Statistics South Africa.
The MEC assured the public that the provincial government was committed to improving the quality and capacity of hospitals and clinics, particularly as the province prepares for the implementation of the National Health Insurance.
The upgrades at Mamelodi Regional Hospital include the refurbishment of critical areas such as the radiology department, eye clinic, and triage and casualty waiting areas.
The hospital’s Female Medical Ward, Male Surgical Ward, and Paediatric Ward have also been extended, increasing bed capacity and easing pressure on staff and resources.
“We are aware of the challenges facing our healthcare system, especially in terms of infrastructure, and we are taking action. These upgrades will help us provide better care for the growing number of patients,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
She said the Mamelodi Regional Hospital was not the only facility benefiting from this push to improve healthcare services.
The MEC also provided updates on other healthcare projects across the province.
At Steve Biko Academic Hospital, all entrances have been refurbished, and new clinics have been built, including Mandisa Siceka and Kekanastad.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said the Boikhutsong Day Clinic was 80% complete, while renovations at Eersterust Community Health Centre and the dental unit at Stanza Bopape Community Health Centre were nearing completion.
Jubilee Hospital is also undergoing extensive renovations, with work currently focused on wards 5, 6, and 7, as well as public ablution facilities.
Meanwhile, Tshwane District Hospital has completed theatre renovations, and improvements are being made to the mental health ward and nurses' stations.
“The upgrades are not limited to hospitals. Forensic medical services is also receiving attention, with new facilities being built in Hammanskraal and Midrand, as well as the relocation of the Roodepoort Forensic Pathology Service,” she added.
“These initiatives aim to address the growing demand for forensic services, which have faced challenges due to high admission rates and storage shortages,” she said.
Nkomo-Ralehoko further said looking ahead, the province was planning to build four new hospitals, including one in Soshanguve, which will help reduce the strain on existing healthcare facilities.
Once completed, these new hospitals will bring the total number of public hospitals in Gauteng to 41.
Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised that these hospitals would improve access to healthcare in under-served areas, particularly townships, and help address regional disparities in healthcare provision.
She also highlighted the department’s focus on occupational health and safety, noting that 68% of hospitals in Gauteng had achieved "ideal" status in the latest assessments by the Office of Health Standards Compliance.
In addition to the infrastructure upgrades, the Department of Health is also modernising the healthcare system through various ICT projects.
“At the heart of this effort is the rollout of the integrated health information system, which has already been implemented in 33 community health centres and all 37 hospitals across the province. This system will streamline patient administration, billing, and referrals, improving the overall efficiency of healthcare services,” she said.
At Mamelodi Regional Hospital, the clinical management module has already been deployed, with plans to extend it to other facilities by April 2025.
This will allow for better tracking of patient care and ensure that clinical operations are standardised across all hospitals in Gauteng.
As part of the department's e-health initiatives, patient records are also being digitised to improve accessibility and management.
“Modernising our healthcare system is not just about infrastructure but also about creating a sustainable foundation for the future. Our digital health initiatives will help us meet the growing demand for healthcare services while improving efficiency,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
The MEC closed her address by inviting the media on a roadshow to showcase the progress made at healthcare facilities across the province.
“We want you to see the changes for yourselves and share these stories with the public. Together, we can build greater confidence in our healthcare system,” she said.
Nkomo-Ralehoko added that with these upgrades and modernisation efforts, the department was laying the groundwork for a more efficient and accessible healthcare system, one that is better equipped to serve the province’s growing population.
Pretoria News
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