Gauteng is ready for the Festive Season, says MEC
Gauteng’s Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoku, has assured that the province is fully prepared to attend to any health or emergency cases this festive season.
On Wednesday, law enforcement assembled at the Buccleugh Interchange in Johannesburg, where Nkomo-Ralehoku gave an update on the province’s readiness for the busy season.
Themed 'Beyond The Call Of Duty - Responding to Emergencies, Preserving Lives,' the MEC said it signals their willingness and capability to go beyond the call of duty.
"To ensure that we marshal every resource at our disposal to effectively respond to any medical emergency across the province to save lives," said Nkomo-Ralehoku.
South Africa witnesses a surge in accidents related to travel and festive celebrations and Nkomo-Ralehoku cites that the combination of increased road traffic and social gatherings can lead to a higher volume of emergencies.
"As we enter this joyous time of the year, it is crucial to ensure that our healthcare facilities are fully resourced and well prepared to respond effectively to the healthcare needs of the communities."
She revealed that Gauteng's 38 Community Health Centres, which operate 24 hours a day, will remain open throughout the festive season to ensure that communities always have access to much-needed essential medical care.
"No one should miss out on their treatment during this period," added Nkomo-Ralehoku.
Medical Supplies Depot, which manages the supply of pharmaceuticals to all hospitals and clinics, ensuring that life-saving and essential medicines are available to all health care facilities.
This ensures that such medicine is available above 95%, to meet the medical needs of patients.
Nkomo-Ralehoku said they have taken several pro-active measures in the medicine supply chain system, which includes early procurement and stock management as we anticipate possible closures of pharmaceutical companies during the festive period.
This Festive Season, Gauteng has a fleet of over 400 operational vehicles ready to serve residents. These include ambulances, primary response vehicles, rescue vehicles, and a disaster response bus.
"Each vehicle is equipped with the necessary medical supplies and technology to ensure that our emergency responders can provide timely and effective care," Nkomo-Ralehoku revealed.
She further stated that contingency plans are in place to ensure seamless operations within our Forensic Pathology Services throughout the festive season, adding that should there be a need for pathology services, all the 11 offices across the five health districts will remain open with a staff compliment of 38 pathologists and 30 forensic officers who will be on standby to assist during this busy period.
Last year's festive season road fatalities in South Africa showed a decline of 1.7% compared to the previous year.
According to the statistics, 1 427 people lost their lives on the roads during the 2023/2024 festive season, down from 1 452 in the previous period.
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