By OBAKENG MAJE
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla said discussions to open social, cultural and economic activities are underway. On 21 January 2022, Phaahla embarked on a site visit to the health facilities and vaccination sites in Mahikeng and Lichtenburg in the North West province.
“We are here to monitor the province’s Covid-19 vaccine roll-our programme and also to assess the provision of comprehensive health services during the pandemic. So, I have received a report from the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha and I can safely say the province has passed the 4th wave.
“I have also assessed some healthcare facilities, and even though there are some challenges, we will work hand-in-hand with the province to improve on that. Our aim is to continue to give support to our colleagues and re-activating the programme of vaccination roll-out,” he said.
He further said the government’s top priority was to fight against Covid-19 pandemic and ensure there is stability in terms of infection rates. Phaahla added that the president will address the nation when he is ready to announce some relaxations on lockdown regulations such as the opening of stadiums and other cultural activities.
“There is a positivity rate and all the factors including the admission at the hospitals. However, the fight against the pandemic is still on. The key to this is to ensure that we accelerate vaccination roll-out.
“We have learnt a good lesson for the last two years in terms of management. We are not saying that the pandemic will disappear, but a lot more social and economic activities can be opened,” said Phaahla.
He also urged people to refrain from spreading ‘fake news’ about vaccines. Phaahla said all vaccination programmes are backed-up by established programmes, processes of monitoring and evaluation of adverse effects after vaccination.
“We have medical experts ready to attend to any matter if somebody reports that they have adverse effects after vaccination. They get examined and if there is any scientific evidence that proves that the person experienced permanent damages after vaccination, that individual will be compensated.
He urged young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to continue to vaccinate as they have experienced a low rate. Phaahla also added that there are plans underway to re-build the Christiana Hospital that was gutted by fire last year.
“There are some challenges regarding shortage of healthcare facilities and Christiana is one of them. You know that the hospital was gutted by fire and there is technical work that is happening there.
“Our infrastructure personnel are on the ground and this includes Thusong Hospital near Lichtenburg where the area is dolomitic. Patients were forced to be relocated a few weeks ago due to the intense situation,” said Phaahla.
Meanwhile, Phaahla was quick to defend the government after the World Bank approved South Africa’s whopping R11.4 billion loan to boost economic recovery.
Some sections of the society questioned the loan and said all this money will not be used for intended purpose, but will be lost through corruption.
“On the issue of the IMF, the national treasury is doing everything to ensure that we have resources and are low interest loans. This will assist us in ensuring that our healthcare facilities are copying in terms of managing the pandemic.
“So, the money is put to good use and it has been a year now without any health worker complaining about the personal protective equipment.
The Guardian 