Teboho Matshatsha
'By the end of this year, all 32 Community Healthcare Centres across Gauteng should be providing comprehensive health services which include 24/7 access to X-Ray and laboratory services, maternity unit, accident and emergency services and pharmaceutical services." 
This was the assurance by the Gauteng MEC for Health Dr Bandile Masuku on Tuesday during the tabling of the Department's R50.8 billion budget at the Legislature. 
MEC Masuku said Primary Healthcare is the backbone of the health system across the globe. "The delivery of sound and proper primary healthcare services will help us reduce and manage the quadruple burden of disease, reduce congestion at our hospitals and save us money," emphasised Dr Masuku. 
The MEC added: "In this regard, we have allocated R30 million to ensure that the last two remaining Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Zola (Soweto) and Boipatong (Sedibeng) edge closer to the national norms and standards in terms of their 24-hour operational capability." 
On Mental Health, the MEC said the Department remains committed to providing quality healthcare for patients. "Arguably, mental illnesses are increasingly becoming a global epidemic. The Gauteng government remains committed to providing quality mental healthcare to our citizens. 
"Psychiatric hospitals are allocated R1.4 billion this year. Of these funds, R347 million has been reprioritised within District Health Services to respond to mental healthcare needs which includes R202 million that is provided to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) partnerships''.
On Emergency Medical Care (EMS), MEC Masuku said it was important that the Department provides the public with swift medical care and creates ease of access to health facilities.  
"A total of R49 million is allocated for fleet maintenance, tracking and improving security features. The provincialization of Emergency Medical Services for Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni is going ahead as planned. Again, this is to ensure that we have more efficiencies and cost saving in the system," said Dr Masuku.  
"We want to emphasise that part of turning the corner for Gauteng Health means that we must deal with leadership and governance issues progressively and decisively. A capable Gauteng Health Department will have a leadership with the right strategic orientation, high levels of ethical conduct and cutting-edge skills and knowledge." 
 
​