The Mpumalanga Department of Health (DoH) launched the Contingency Plan for the festive season on behalf of Mpumalanga’s Premier, Mandla Ndlovu at the Mbombela stadium on December 9. At the same time it unveiled 30 new Emergency Medical Services vehicles.
The MEC for DoH, Sasekani Manzini, said it was part of the government’s initiative to strengthen healthcare capabilities and proactively respond to health emergencies, minimizing operational disruptions and ensuring uninterrupted access to adequate healthcare services. She outlined the provincial DoH’s operational plan to ensure accessible healthcare services to all, maintaining operational continuity of hospitals, Community Health Centres and Emergency Medical Services during the festive season and beyond. This would facilitate rapid emergency response with Emergency Medical Services personnel strategically positioned in key areas.
“The objective of a health contingency plan is to minimize operational disruptions and maintain continuity in serving the public, especially during the festive season when hospitals and clinics typically experience high volumes of patients due to road accidents and gender-based violence cases. We urge individuals to refrain from misusing emergency medical services contacts as this is not a time for frivolity. Be responsible with the EMS emergency number and avoid unnecessary calls. Furthermore, we caution against attacks on officials and the destruction of resources, noting that a single ambulance is responsible for serving 10,000 patients,” Manzini said.
She added that “To prioritize your health, visit your nearest care facility for medical check-ups before Christmas to prevent or treat unnecessary ailments early and let us promote responsible behaviour through safe sexual practices, utilizing the free condoms provided at various health facilities across the Province.”
Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, Chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders and the National President of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), commended government’s efforts and said the additional, fully-equipped ambulances would enhance the province’s healthcare capabilities. It would assure quality health services and make it possible for patients receive immediate care during emergencies, particularly for those residing in remote rural communities.
