​Thembisa Shologu
Gauteng Department of Health is using the response to COVID-19 to improve the health infrastructure.
The department has brought forward a five-year health infrastructure plans to increase the health capacity to meet the growing demand for healthcare services.
"With the work done to date, we are moving towards improving our public health system to ensure patient experience.
"With the addition of 2101 beds, 2 967 personnel were appointed. As new beds are added, new appointments will be made to ensure that we have functional hospital beds," said Premier David Makhura.
The reconfiguration has brought forward critical upgrades and maintenance, as well as compliance to Infrastructure Unit Support Systems (IUSS).
"While construction of 300 High Care beds using Alternative Building Technologies (ABT) cost less than conventional construction methodologies.
"It normally takes 36 months to construct a CHC facility while it takes between 6 – 12 months to complete a 300 High Care beds using Alternative Building Technologies," said Makhura.
As part of its long-term benefits accrued from COVID-19 response programme Gauteng government has been mindful of improving health care facilities beyond COVID-19 and it is investing in permanent infrastructure.
"It is important that facilities are equipped with functional beds, this includes; designated beds provided with relevant and adequate health professional staff, beds are equipped with relevant and  adequate health technology equipment aligned to the level of care assigned and for that purpose, funding) was provided to operationalise beds that became available through construction activities," Makhura said.