​Phumelele Khumalo​​​
As part of a multifaceted strategy to ensure that people of Gauteng live long and healthy lives, the provincial department of health launched the digital media health promotion screens this morning at KwaThema Community Health Centre (CHC), Springs.
This patient empowerment project will ensure that those in waiting lines at health facilities are educated about health matters; kept abreast with developments in the health sector as well as strengthen communication channels between health care workers and patients.
Through these 278 digital media screens installed at targeted health facilities in Gauteng (hospitals and clinics), the community will also get to know the health workers that are going beyond the call of duty and learn about innovations in health.
In addition, the screens will flight content such: health education messages and relevant health related video clips linked to health calendars and disease profiles based on data generated from our health facilities and National Department of Health, current affairs – news, interesting facts about the department.
In launching the screens donated by Aurum Innova and Media Clique, Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuka said one of his priorities is to improve patient experience in all provincial health facilities.
"In addition to empowerment through information, the screens will also ensure that the burden of diseases is decreased as people will be empowered with preventative measures," said MEC Masuku.
 "To reduce waiting times, we will improve available services in clinics and community health centres so that people don't all go to hospitals.  We will also fill all vacant posts in the upcoming months as an effort to boost staff morale."  concluded the MEC.