Mpumalanga Department of Health

The Mpumalanga Department of Health representatives Participates in the National Department of Health Summit on Enhancing Patient-Focused Care Coordination.

Mpumalanga had a strong presence at the National Department of Health's conference, held from 11 to 13 November 2024 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, focusing on enhancing coordination in Patient-Centred Care to develop a cohesive framework addressing health service fragmentation nationwide.

This conference brought together key stakeholders from across the country to strategize and implement solutions for streamlined patient care, fostering more integrated, efficient, and community-tailored services.

Dr Cheryl Nelson, Chief Director of Primary Health Care, shared her insights on the Summit.

"It was a privilege for our delegation to represent the Province at this pivotal gathering. We are dedicated to integrating the insights gained and strategies explored into actionable plans, thereby enhancing care coordination, eliminating healthcare obstacles, and ultimately elevating health outcomes for our entire population.

She also highlighted the importance of
strengthening the public health sector.

"We look forward to sustained cooperation with the National Department of Health to strengthen healthcare capabilities and make medical services more accessible and reactive to the requirements of our citizens.

The Mpumalanga Department of Health today facilitating a comprehensive mental health awareness and training initiative for Traditional Health Practitioners at Mercure Hotel, in Mbombela, designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and treatment outcomes, reduce stigma, increase access to care, and promote patient choice and autonomy in mental health services.

Today, November 8th, 2024, Mpumalanga Premier Mr. Mandla Ndlovu, accompanied by Ms. Sasekani Manzini, MEC for Health, Executive Mayor: Cllr Sibongile Makhushe-Mazibuko of the City of Mbombela, Executive Mayor: Cllr. T Shabangu of Ehlanzeni District Municipality, and the Traditional Authority, formally opened the newly constructed, cutting-edge Kanyamazane Community Health Center located in KaNyamazane( Lekazi) Township.

The old Kanyamazane Clinic was opened in 1971 Ehlanzeni District under Mbombela Local Municipality and upgraded to be a Community Health Center in 1991.It serves 05 wards and the estimated population is 62 342 and it is a 24 hour seven days a week facility.

The new state of the art facility is valued at
R197, 092, 944,50.

The Premier, during his keynote address, stressed the significance of prioritizing personal health and utilizing the available facility for primary healthcare services, directly encouraging males to visit for health checks to enhance their life expectancy.

"While enjoying our premium healthcare services, please safeguard this facility and protect our healthcare professionals, promoting harmony for all. Furthermore, I urge our healthcare professionals to uphold dignity in patient care, implementing the Batho-Pele principles.

"The Premier emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing access to healthcare services for the broader population. Through the implementation of national health insurance, we will attain universal health coverage for all, and we will persist in our efforts until everyone has equitable access to quality healthcare services, irrespective of their socioeconomic status.

"I wish to acknowledge the commitment of MEC Manzini and the Department of Health in providing accessible specialized healthcare services across the province.

"Cancer screening and treatment are now available to our population at Rob Ferreira Tertiary Hospital, streamlining care and reducing travel burdens to Gauteng.

"MEC, we endorse your strategy to transform the Oncology ward into a fully-fledged Oncology Clinic at Rob Ferreira Hospital, thereby advancing the provision of comprehensive and specialized healthcare services to our citizens troubled by cancer.

"As province we are looking forward for the formal inauguration of Middleburg Hospital by President Cyril Ramaphosa and it will be the pinnacle of achievement.

"To further improve our response time in medical emergency cases,as the Provincial government, we will further enhance Emergency Medical Services to promptly address medical emergencies and decrease mortality rates.

The state of the art Kanyamazane CHC has a range of healthcare services in store for all, such as the burden of diseases, HIV and Aids Screening T.b Screening and treatment,Hypertension Screening,Diabetes screening,Emergency Care Services , Youth Friendly Services, baby clinic, Immunisation and Child development,Cervical Cancer screening, counseling and termination of pregnancy,forensic services,rape cases,Nutrition, Eye and Dental care.

The state of the art facility consists of :

18 consulting rooms,
15 Patients waiting areas.
02 outside waiting areas
09 disabled ablution Facility
05 stockroom
02 Emergency room.
07 vitals room
02 Dental room
03 linen room

Today the 7th of November 2024, the Mpumalanga Department of Health commemorated the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Malaria Day, which is annually observed on the 06th November.

This year the SADC Malaria Day was held in
Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, at New Forest sports ground to create awareness about malaria and mobilize the communities to participate in the Malaria Control programmes.

In Mpumalanga Province malaria is endemic in Ehlanzeni District, Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge and City of Mbombela sub-districts.

Malaria is seasonal in the province fuelled by favorable weather conditions - humidity and rainfall which favours breeding of vector mosquitoes.

The season starts from September of each year and ends in May the following year. The season has already started in the province and the Department has already implemented malaria seasonal preparedness and response plan including Indoor Residual Spraying activitiesand employment of 400.

In the quest to work together to end Malaria, the MEC, Ms Sasekani Manzini has requested Mayors and Traditional leaders to support the spraying activities in the affected sub-districts.

Local malaria transmission has been reduced by 84%, from 4244 cases in 2017/18 to 647 cases in 2023/2024, currently we have 35 local cases in 2024 /2025 financial year which is the lowest compared to previous financial years.

Addressing the community, Speaking on behalf of MEC for Health,Ms Sasekani, Cllr Million Shongwe of Ehlanzeni district Municipality said

“Malaria elimination goal requires a strong collaboration, coordination and communication approach between the department and the community ,Civil Society, Sector Departments and other stakeholders to work together and share responsibilities in a collaborated approach, Our Communities need to play a role and understand the department’s rationale and objective of providing Indoor Residual Spraying .

The department is humbly requesting Community leaders and Members of the community to allow spray operators to spray in their houses to protect them against malaria, we can prevent malaria, let’s work together, remember Malaria is treatable and curable , lets prevent and avoid unnecessary malaria death.

Mpumalanga Provincial Government

Today 06, November 2024,Themba Regional Hospital situated Kabokweni was visited by the National Forensic Pathology Services Committee led by Dr Thakadu Mamashela who is the Chairperson of the committee to assess the Forensic Pathology Services Station, and to monitor Policy and Strategic matters regarding Forensic Pathology Services.

This is also part of the Committee's quarterly meeting to conduct oversight visit to facilities to assess the quality of services and to identify areas for improvement.

At the meeting, the Chairperson of the National Forensic Pathology Services Committee, Dr Mamashela clarified why they were in attendance.

"We aim to gain insight into the processes, challenges, and successes of Themba Regional Hospital Forensic Pathology Services, a notably busy facility within the province.

The Committee also noted that their interaction with Forensic Pathology officers and Administrators at the Station was satisfactory, and they appreciate the support provided by,Themba Hospital's Acting CEO, Dr. Dhlodhlo.

The Mpumalanga Department of Health, issues a public warning regarding a fake audio circulating on social media, spreading misinformation about job opportunities at Kanyamazane Community Health Center. The fraudsters are deceiving victims into calling 073076 9166; the public is advised to be cautious and not fall prey to this scam.If requested to pay money for employment, please report it to the police. No payment is required to apply for public service jobs and bursaries.

Today the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) is Training Rob Ferreira Hospital Staff on the newly developed Tertiary Hospital Inspection Tools. They are at Protea Hotel, Nelspruit.

The OHSC was established in line with Chapter 10 of the National Health Amendment Act, 2013. It is responsible for monitoring and enforcement of health care safety and quality standards in health establishments independently, impartially, fairly, and fearlessly on behalf of healthcare users.

The training is aimed to ensure that the team of assessors at Rob Ferreira is better equipped to assist the Hospital to provide quality patient care which complies with Regulated Norms and Standards for Different Categories of Health Establishments.