GAUTENG HEALTH DISTRIBUTES SIXTEEN MOBILE HEALTH CLINICS TO STRENGTHEN ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
Three days before the delivery of the Gauteng State of the Province Address, the Gauteng Department of Health successfully distributed sixteen mobile health clinics to the province’s five districts, ensuring that
quality healthcare services reach communities that need them the most.
These Volkswagen Crafter mobile clinics were officially handed over by the MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who emphasised their significance in closing healthcare access gaps. “With
these mobile clinics now deployed across the province, we are bringing healthcare services directly to the people, ensuring that even the most remote and underserved communities have access to essential health interventions,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The distribution saw four mobile clinics allocated to Tshwane, four to Johannesburg, four to Ekurhuleni, three to Sedibeng, and one to West Rand. This latest addition takes the total number of mobile clinics in West Rand to 13, further strengthening healthcare delivery in the district.
Ms. Ditshebo Pepenene, Acting Director in Sedibeng District, expressed her excitement about the new clinics, highlighting their importance in reaching far-to-reach areas. “I am so happy about the three mobiles we have received today. They will contribute significantly to bringing services to informal settlements like Marikana, which has grown substantially and is in dire need of healthcare services. Taking a mobile clinic there will do a lot of good for that community,” she said.
Ms. Mogeru Morewane, Chief Director for Johannesburg District, emphasised the role of mobile clinics in ongoing outreach programs. “We have outreach campaigns in the district called Corner to Corner and Siza Kuwe. Having these extra mobile clinics will go a long way in increasing access to underserved communities in Johannesburg. We will ensure that the clinics are staffed with professional healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, to deliver quality healthcare services,” she stated.
The newly allocated mobile clinics are equipped with a BP machine, Glucose test, Scales for adult and children, Ear Nose and Throat set, Emergency kit, Examination bed, Examination light, Air condition,
Microwave, hand washing basin, fridge, cupboard for medication, oxygen point, oxygen cylinder, fire hydrant, extension cable, toilet and an inverter.
The mobile clinics will provide essential health services in townships, informal settlements and hostels, including TB, STI, and Diabetes screening, pregnancy testing, child immunisation, deworming, and HIV testing, amongst others
They will be strategically deployed across the province to maximize their impact. In West Rand, the 13 mobile clinics will serve Merafong, Mogale, and Rand West subdistricts. In Ekurhuleni, they will be stationed in Phola Park, J. Dumane, Nokuthula Ngwenya, and Esangweni. Sedibeng will
benefit from mobile clinics serving Heidelberg West, Kudung, and Marikana. In Tshwane, the clinics will reach Dark City, Winterveldt, Oliven, and Mamelodi. Johannesburg will see clinics serving Kokotela,
Mokokotlong, Drieziek, Ga Malatji Diepsloot, Emnandini, Zandspruit, Jerusalem, Princess, Tshepisong West, and various hostels.
The Gauteng Department of Health remains committed to improving healthcare accessibility and ensuring that all communities, regardless of their location, receive the care they need. The department will announce next week where the mobile clinics will begin operating, providing residents with clear information on how to access these vital services.