Umkhanyakude to get a boost of brand new ambulances, a R232 million community health centre and 906 job opportunities

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo unveiled injections to the delivery of quality healthcare in the rural District of uMkhanyakude when he handed over a site for the construction of a R262 million Community Healthcare Centre and a fleet of brand new ambulances on the 17 August 2012 in Jozini.

The District is known for being the most rural and impoverished District in the Province and borders neighboring countries of Mozambique and Swaziland whose citizens frequent public health facilities on the South African side. The population is estimated at over 600 000 with approximately 36% having no means of income. This contributes to the cycle of poverty found in the area.

Umkhanyakude District, a presidential node, is one of the areas in South Africa that have been hardest hit by the ravaging HIV/AIDS pandemic, with more than 3 000 orphaned children not only heading homes, but also facing a bleak and uncertain future as the fangs of poverty pierce deeper into their vulnerable lives.

The fact that it is in a presidential node further illustrates the depth of poverty in which the inhabitants, most of them women and children, find themselves. The level of grinding poverty is further illustrated by the fact that the elderly, who constitute only 4% of the population, are often the breadwinners and carers.

The Community Healthcare centre will provide 'mini hospital' level of care should be completed in 24 months and will create 906 jobs for the local community.

The MEC, whilst on a public road show speaking to all Emergency Medical Practitioners about the concerns of citizens and urged them to ensure that they do their work with discipline, commitment and honour. He (MEC Dhlomo) has visited four Districts thus far and told a gathering at Empangeni that damaging and recklessly driving ambulances will no longer be tolerated. He said; "Each ambulance cost this Department an amount close R800 000.00 and that money cannot go to waste without people accounting."

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