In the line of duty..Premier Zamani Saul, MEC of Health, Ms. Nontobeko Vilakazi and Acting Head of Department, Mr. Oupa Phiri.
Kimberley
The Northern Cape Provincial Government is taking decisive action to improve the quality of healthcare in the province. Premier Dr. Zamani Saul recently met with the newly appointed MEC of Health, Ms. Nontobeko Vilakazi, and the new Acting Head of Department, Mr. Oupa Phiri, to discuss an immediate intervention plan for the Department of Health.
The Premier has announced a new plan, which comprises ten non-negotiables, focusing on key areas that require urgent attention. These areas include:
– Leadership stability: Ensuring that the department has stable leadership to drive change and improvement.
– Devolution of delegation to District Health Services: Giving district health services more responsibility to make decisions and take action.
– Addressing inadequate human resources: Ensuring that the department has sufficient and qualified staff to provide quality healthcare.
– Addressing aging infrastructure: Upgrading and maintaining healthcare facilities to ensure they are safe and functional.
– Improving records management: Ensuring that patient records are accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible.
– ICT connectivity: Improving the department’s information and communication technology systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
– Availability of medical equipment and supplies: Ensuring that healthcare facilities have the necessary equipment and supplies to provide quality care.
– Availability of pharmaceutical supplies: Ensuring that patients have access to the medication they need.
– Safety and security: Ensuring that healthcare facilities are safe and secure for patients and staff.
– Governance and audit outcomes: Improving the department’s governance and audit processes to ensure accountability and transparency.
– Emergency Medical Services: Drastically improving the department’s emergency medical services to ensure timely and effective response to emergencies.
To ensure the successful implementation of the plan, Premier Dr. Zamani Saul said he will conduct a minimum of 20 unannounced visits per month to the over 170 health facilities across the province. The implementation of the plan will also be monitored on a monthly basis.
Premier Zamani Saul who was in his usual element told The Pixley Independent, “The Northern Cape Provincial Government remains committed to delivering good quality healthcare to the people of the province.
“The department is confident that with the new leadership and the Ten-Point Turnaround Action Plan, they will be able to address the challenges facing the healthcare system and provide better services to the community.”
