​The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has strengthened its efforts to increase healthcare accessibility for communities, particularly those living in townships, informal settlements and hostels. 
This follows the handing over of 16 Volkswagen Crafter mobile clinics by MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to the province's five health districts to ensure that quality healthcare services reach communities that need them the most.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Friday, 21 February,  MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said that the mobile clinics are the GDoH's commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to healthcare, regardless of where they are located, and will ensure that the gap to healthcare access is closed for communities that previously faced challenges due to the lack of nearby health facilities.
"This is a proud moment for our department, and I want to assure our communities that we remain firm in our vision to delivering quality healthcare services. With these mobile clinics we are reaffirming our dedication to making healthcare accessible to all. Together, we are building a healthier and more inclusive Gauteng," said the MEC. 
The newly allocated mobile clinics are equipped with a BP machine, Glucose test, Scales for adult and children, Ear Nose and Throat set, Emergency kit, Examination bed, Examination light, Air condition, Microwave, hand washing basin, fridge, cupboard for medication, oxygen point, oxygen cylinder, fire hydrant, extension cable, toilet and an inverter. The mobile clinics will provide essential health services in townships, informal settlements and hostels, including TB, STI, and Diabetes screening, pregnancy testing, child immunisation, deworming, and HIV testing, amongst others.
They will be strategically deployed across various communities in the province to maximize their impact. In West Rand, the mobile clinics will serve Merafong, Mogale, and Rand West subdistricts. In Ekurhuleni, they will be stationed in Phola Park, J. Dumane, Nokuthula Ngwenya, and Esangweni. Sedibeng will benefit from mobile clinics serving Heidelberg West, Kudung, and Marikana. In Tshwane, the clinics will reach Dark City, Winterveldt, Oliven, and Mamelodi. Johannesburg will see clinics serving Kokotela, Mokokotlong, Drieziek, Ga Malatji Diepsloot, Emnandini, Zandspruit, Jerusalem, Princess, Tshepisong West, and various hostels.
Of the 16 mobile clinics, four (4) have been allocated to Tshwane District Health Services, 4 to Johannesburg District Health Services, 4 to Ekurhuleni District Health Services, three (3) to Sedibeng District Health Services and one (1) to West Rand District Health Services. The addition for West Rand brings the total number of mobile clinics to 13, further strengthening healthcare delivery in the district.
Ditshebo Pepenene, the Acting Director in Sedibeng District Health Services expressed her excitement about the new clinics, highlighting their importance in reaching far-to-reach areas. "I am so happy about the three mobiles we have received today. They will contribute significantly to bringing services to informal settlements like Marikana, which has grown substantially and is in dire need of healthcare services. Taking a mobile clinic there will do a lot of good for that community," she said.
Sharing the same sentiments was Mogeru Morewane, the Chief Director for Johannesburg District Health Services, emphasised the role of mobile clinics in ongoing outreach programs. "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.