Nelson Mandela Day: Sod-turning of the first Central Hospital in Limpopo Province
Polokwane-In celebration of Mandela Day ,a day dedicated to honouring the incredible legacy of the late Nelson Mandela,the Limpopo Province witnessed the sod-turning of the first Central Hospital.
The Minister of Health ,Dr Joe Phaahla together with Acting Premier of Limpopo ,Mr Seaparo Sekoati on Tuesday,18th July 2023,have presided over the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of the state-of-the-art hospital.
The sod-turning ceremony coincides with Mandela Day -a global celebration of Nelson Mandela’s birthday and his legacy.
The building of the hospital is part of the department’s health infrastructure development programme as the country is preparing for the National Health Insurance to achieve universal access to quality health care services,regardless of socio-economic status,and to ensure that all South African’s have equitable access to affordable health care.
“ The implemenation of the central hospital is the results of a collaborative effort between the Limpopo Department of Health and the National Dapartment of Health.The preliminary estimates show that the project is expected to generate 1220 part-time jobs during construction phase and create 2461 full time equivalent jobs in polokwane and surrounding areas ,once the hospital is fully operational,”said Sekoati.
He further said the hospital will not only provide medical services but will also serve as a centre of excellence for healthcare education and training.It will be a place where medical professionals can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to provide the best care possible.
Sekoati urges all stakeholders who are involved in the project ,including the contractor ,government officials,and health professionals, to collaborate closely to ensure its successful completion.
Minister of Heath,Dr Joe Phaahla has reiterated that under Nelson Mandela leadership,the country has attained freedom and he was very passionate about the health and welfare of all South Africans more especially the poor and marginalised.Part of Nelson Mandela’s focus while in office and even after leaving office was to raise money from private companies to build schools and clinics in poor rural communities and Limpopo Province was a mojor beneficiary to that effort.
“The beggining of the construction of the hospital is on the one hand a culmination of 29 years of the endeavours of the democratic government to increase access and improve quality of health services and on the other hand it is the foundation or springboard for even more better quality ,especially because a lot has been achieved in the first five years to increase access”adds Phaahla.
He said 488 beds Limpopo Central Hospital will be equiped with advanced medical technology and will offer cutting-edge diagnostic procedures and innovative treatments.
“The hospital is designed to offer specialist services that are relevant and appropriate to an advancing scientific health care field.Patients will receive expert care,treatment,and management of complex conditions without the need to extensive travel to Gauteng Province”.
Phaahla said Limpopo Central Hospital will be one of the pillars to deliver the National Health Insurance.
By: Dexter Mohale