Tag Archives: North West MEC for Health

Lehari roll out integrated healthcare services in Schweizer Reneke

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Picture: Some community members attending Thuntsa Lerole campaign in Schweizer Reneke

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

31 January 2025- As part of array of community-impact Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded, North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari oversaw the roll-out of integrated health services at Glaudin, Migdol and other surrounding areas in Schweizer Reneke. Lehari said the high impact health services on provision, included immunisation, hypertension, diabetes, mental health, TB screening and Body Mass Index (BMI) screening.

“Tackling issues related to behavioural patterns and lifestyle, the Department Healthy Lifestyle flagship programme, Tshela Ka Itekanelo rolled out services that included health education on nutrition programme and awereness on food poisoning at schools. The department also donated sanitary towels at Itshupeng Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, in Schweize Reneke.

“The delegation then proceeded to conduct the Re Bona Ka Matlho oversight programme at Glaudina clinic, where we held talks with both clinic management, operational and sub-district managers, including patients. We emphasised that patient-care, especially to the most disenfranchised communities remains high on the agenda of the 7th administration,” he said.

Lehari further said his department also had exhibitions at the feedback session, where professionals were assisting communities with all health-care services available on sight. He added that, departmental officials also distributed both female and male condoms including encouraging communities to visit facilities for regular checkups.

“The department then wrapped up its health package by distributing assistive devices in a form of wheelchairs to the elderlies and people living with disabilities. These activities were part of broader activities rolled out by the North West Provincial Government,” said Lehari.

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Hospital congratulated after conducting Off Pump Coronary Artery Graft on two patients

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Picture: The team of doctors that performed successfully conducting an Off Pump Coronary Artery Graft/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 November 2024- North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has congratulated staff and management at the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex for successfully conducting an Off Pump Coronary Artery Graft (Off Pump GABG), on two patients this week. Lehari said the procedures were the first to be conducted in the province, both in a private and a public facility.

He further said the procedures were conducted in collaboration with a specialist from India and his team as well as specialists from the Wits/Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Lehari added that one patient underwent surgery on 11 November 2024, while the second patient’s procedure was carried out on 12 November 2024.

“We visited the patients and I was in awe of the work done by the medical professionals, during the two procedures. The North West province must be ready to be inundated with requests for more innovative sessions such as these.

“This confirms the delivery of quality services, and changes in people’s lives that I referred to upon arrival at the department. I have expressed my encouragement to work with the private sector and external stakeholders and this is the perfect example of how such partnership can bear fruit,” he said.

Lehari, congratulated the entire team of experts that was part of this life changing surgery, and completed it without hindrances.

“I implore them to continue to make a difference in people’s lives in such magnitude strides. We look forward to putting our province on the map with quality healthcare services, and showing members of the public that their lives are in capable hands,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Tshepong/Klerksdorp Complex Hospital CEO, Thulane Madonsela, said normally when an open heart surgery is done, the heart is stopped from pumping blood out. Madonsela said the heart lung machine is used as a temporary heart, while the blocked artery is by-passed.

“However, this type of operation is done while the heart is still pumping blood hence it is called an Off Pump Coronary Artery By-pass Graft. Dr Vettath has to-date performed over 5000 such operations across the world.

“He was assisted by Dr Taunyane who is originally from Jouberton Township, in Klerksdorp. The two patients are stable and undergoing a post operation recovery process in the complex’s Intensive Care Unit,” he said.

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R51m set aside to compensate nurses and doctors who went beyond duty call 

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 November 2024- North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said he is elated to announce that all outstanding 30% exceeding overtime payments, will be paid fully to all employees including nurses and doctors. Lehari and his management have been engaging both labour unions and all healthcare professionals to ensure negotiations are conducted peacefully.

He further said the announcement to unions comes after prolonged discussions for approval of payments with the Office of the Minister of Public Service and Administration (PSA), Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, Provincial Treasury and Office of the Premier. Lehari added that they have convened an urgent meeting with leaders of labour unions to announce this pleasant news.

“This is one of the first issues I found on my desk upon arrival in this department. I am glad that it has now been resolved. We are all aware that government processes take time and we also know that consultation is very crucial when dealing with public funds.

“It may have seemed as if we were moving at a snail pace, but we were not. I want to thank all of you here, that even under extreme pressure to go on strike, you remained very disciplined, understanding the oath you took, to save lives at all material times” he said.

Lehari then announced that a Monitoring Task Team composed of senior departmental managers, representation from all six unions and other stakeholders, should be established to assess and verify employees’ claims and oversee all payments to ensure the process is transparent, fair and hoist an element of accountability. He said his department has budgeted over R51 million to compensate workers, who have rendered their services beyond the 30% overtime payment requirements.

“I need to stress out that as unions, you are now part of the team that will ensure that the process is fast tracked, while eliminating all financial risks. We are working on ensuring that we inject more nurses into the system so that you are not required to be overstretched and work so many hours without immediate compensation,” said Lehari.

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North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari brings intervention on stalled nursing college project

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari visit a nursing college in Klerksdorp/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 October 2024- North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has embarked on an oversight visit at a Nursing College in Klerksdorp on 24 October 2024, to confront issues as part of “Re Bona Ka Matlho” service delivery intervention. Lehari’s visit was part of his fact-finding mission on the stalled infrastructure project to renovate the college, which has been underway since 2020.

“The project was initially planned for 24 months to complete, but it is currently standing at 96%. We plead for concomitant action from the management of the department and the college to ensure swift completion of the project.

“It is unacceptable that the department is still sitting with a project almost 8 years later, while it was planned for a mere two years,” he said.

Lehari further said the college was supposed to educate and train nurses, so that upon qualification, they mitigate the shortage of staff experienced in their facilities. He added that it is up to them to ensure that, they change people’s lives, not only in delivering medical services, but by empowering them with quality education.

“A new contractor has been appointed for six months to complete the outstanding 4% of the work. A follow-up visit is planned, where tangible commitments will be undertaken towards completion of the project,” said Lehari.

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‘Plough back to the community you come from’ 

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari painting a wall at Ga-Motla Clinic in Moretele/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has today made his contribution to the Nelson Mandela ideals of servant leadership by leading a team of stakeholders to revamp Ga-Motla Clinic in Moretele. 

Those who attended the event included the Moretele Local Municipality councillors, Executive Managers of the Department, community leaders, nurses, and Community Health Workers (CHWs).  

While addressing participants before activities could start, Lehari gave a background of his relationship with the community of Ga-Motla and the importance of ploughing back to the community he comes from. 

“I grew up in this community and this clinic has been here serving our people for years. We need to improve on it and that is why I am here today. We are going to revamp its paint work, fix fencing, clean it inside out, help sort out filing and anything that needs my attention. 

“I also encourage participants to be of service to the community because it is what Ntate Nelson Mandela was all about. Nelson Mandela International Day is the day that is recognized not only here in our country, but all over the world,” he said. 

Lehari further said it is the day that even the United Nation recognizes and has it on their calendar. He added that in saying so, he invited everyone to mark the Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in their own communities.  

“This call recognizes that everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better. This is the day for all of us to take part in an activity that will inspire change and improve the material conditions of our people”, said Lehari.

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‘Shortage of doctors and nurses will be addressed’

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Picture: The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari and Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari wrapped up his long week programmes that enable the acceleration of provision of primary healthcare services by visiting Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg. Lehari’s Re Bona Ka Matlho Programme – comes hot on the heels of several visits to hospital sights and intervening were there are primary health service delivery challenges, including those that are infrastructural.

He first visited the Gelukspan District Hospital, which has recently encountered delays on its infrastructure refurbishment projects, followed by his visit to the biggest bedded hospital in the province, Klerksdorp-Tshepong Tertiary Hospital.

“I concluded my week long programme by conducting an oversight at Job Shimankana Hospital in Rustenburg. I want security to be beefed up in all hospital complexes I had visited to resolve on challenges around shortage of beds and medicines in some instances.

“Shortage of doctors and nurses will be made an apex priority. We should not be apologetic in resolving issues that shall benefit the poorest of the poorest. I understand that the issue of our people being hospicentric, meaning preferring hospitals over clinics remains a challenge, but we should upgrade our services at clinic-level and Community Health Centres, so we can unburden pressure on our doctors and nurses in hospitals, said Lehari.

He further said they are all going to play a role on this and he expect everyone to do exactly as the same. In between the visits to hospital complex, Lehari added that he also met with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of all hospitals, imploring on them to hoist stuff moral support, prioritise cleanliness and committing that as a political Head of the Department, he shall offer them support in achieving all targets of service delivery.

“I have committed that I will continue to visit hospitals and all healthcare centres, including clinics sites to get first hand information on some of the challenges the public has been experiencing,” he said.

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Delays on hospital refurbishment project a concerns 

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Picture: Gelukspan District Hospital under refurbishment

By OBAKENG MAJE 

North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari visited the Gelukspan District Hospital to get first hand updates and evidence of the refurbishment project progress. The visit was part of Lehari’s Re Bona ka Matlho Programme, which is about visiting hospitals and clinics to get first-hand information.

The visit to Gelukspan Hospital follows a negative media report and complaints from locals over the alleged slow provision of health-care services in the area. Lehari and the management of the hospital, discussed an array of issues including the delay in the completion of the building of a theatre at the hospital.

“The project entails additions and upgrades with the scope covering upgrades to the theatre, mortuary, kitchen and laundry, as well as construction of a new MDR-TB ward. 

“It was awarded to a joint venture between Mpfumelelo Business Enterprise and Kolwana Holdings in early 2022, while the site was handed over in August 2022. We discussed challenges encountered during the first stages of project implementation,” he said. 

Lehari further said the project managers highlighted that the contractor did not perform nor provide resources as was required per the contract from the outset. He added that subsequently, the contractor was issued with four default notices between September and December 2022. 

“A recommendation to terminate the contract was prepared in mid-December 2022. However, in early January 2023, the contractor issued a default notice for late payment to the department and subsequently self-terminated the contract based on the same reason.

“The contract managers further ascertained that the payment in question was not late, but could not immediately be processed as additional information and supporting documents were requested from the contractor, which was timeously communicated to them,” said Lehari.

He said due to the limited progress the termination was not challenged. Lehari said the progress made by the time of termination is that the contractor demolished the existing theatre and mortuary, started on the ground preparing for the new kitchen and started on foundation trenches for a new MDR-TB ward.

“The project was then advertised with the scope that entails the same work as for the first project, excluding the work executed by the first contractor. The bid was awarded to a joint venture between Rembu Construction and Peregrine Multiservice in March 2024. 

“The handover of the site was done on 27 June 2024. We demand a commitment from everyone that the project be finished within the agreed time frame. I see progress here,” he said.

Lehari said they must improve in monitoring projects. He said they should also strive to deliver without delays going forward. 

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Doctors conducted a successful implementation of pacemaker on patient

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Picture: The doctors during operation/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said, a team of physicians at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex on 26 March 2024, conducted a landmark procedure by successfully implanting a pacemaker at the newly refurbished Catherisation Laboratory (Cathlab).

Sambatha said the procedure, a first of its kind to be performed in the province was conducted on a patient who had been admitted in the Orthopaedic ward with a neck of femur fracture which resulted from falling and left him unconscious. He further said physicians at the facility, attributed the fall to a complete heart block, which caused both his blood pressure and heart rate to drop to below 40/pm.

“This pioneering surgery, led by seasoned cardiologists. Dr Zacharia marks a new era in the treatment of heart conditions in the province. We acknowledge the hospital’s management for embracing new technologies that improve healthcare outcomes.

“The implantation of the latest cardiac pacing technology in a hospital in the North West, not only signifies a leap in medical capabilities within the province, but also highlights the dynamic landscape of medical capability in our public health institutions,” he said.

Sambatha further said the patient benefiting from this medical marvel faced severe limitations to his  physical capabilities and his quality of life would have been compromised had he not undergone the procedure.

He added that, the surgical procedure was conducted amidst training for physicians in the newly built Cathlab.

“Another round of training for physicians to perform Coronary Angiogram and Stent Implantation is scheduled to take place in mid-April this year,” said Sambatha.

The CEO of Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex, Thulani Madonsela, has thanked the enitre team that was initiated into action which included Anesthetics, Radiographers, an in house Cardiac Technologist, theatre staff, the Clinical Technology unit as well as the technical support team.

“What was good today was the coming together of the team and our efforts as a province and hospital has come to fruition,” said Madonsela.

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Road users urged to be cautious at all time ahead of Easter weekend

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Picture: A minibus taxi involved in a car accident/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said he is confident that the provincial Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and response teams are ready across the province to deal with any medical emergencies this Easter long weekend. Sambatha said a comprehensive plan has been drawn to tackle all types of medical emergencies working closely with key stakeholders including law enforcement agencies in the province.

“As the department, we left nothing to chance in our contingency plan to deal with medical emergencies across all the major roads in the province. We will keenly keep an eye on major roads like the N12 and N14, which are prone to horrific accidents. 

“Our team in in Dr Kenneth Kaunda (Dr KK) and Bojanala Districts will be ready. The department has earmarked Bojanala and the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts as areas of concern,” he said. 

However, Sambatha said enough resources in a form of ambulances and emergency response vehicles will be deployed to deal with all emergency incidents, especially along the N12 and N14 respectively.

He further said the Bojanala District has a total allocation of 22 ambulances and 5 response vehicles, whilst Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, has been allocated 16 ambulances and 8 response vehicles. 

“These ambulances include the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) vehicles. We plead with our road users who will be travelling across the length and breadth of our province, to remain vigilant. 

“We urge them to abstain from use of intoxicating substances, including drugs and alcohol while driving. I urge all road users to Arrive Alive this Easter long weekend” said Sambatha. 

He said all the districts are on high alert, including Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Districts. Sambatha said the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, has a total fleet of 18 ambulances and 4 response vehicles with Ngaka Modiri Molema having 11 ambulances, a rescue bakkie and 4 emergency vehicles.

“As we tackle medical emergencies across the province, we need to recognise the role of the private emergency response fleet service provider, who augments our services across the province and finally wish all residents of the province an incident free Easter long weekend,” he said. 

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North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha to conduct oversight visits to hospitals affected by ‘food shortages’ 

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Picture: The North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha

By OBAKENG MAJE 

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha will conduct oversight visits to hospitals around the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Bojanala Districts. This comes after the reports over food shortages at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital (MPH) and Lehurutshe Hospital in Zeerust. 

Sambatha said he will do an oversight visit at Mahikeng Provincial Hospital in Mahikeng on Friday from 2pm until 3pm. He further said that he will visit Lehurutshe Hospital in Zeerust on Friday at 4pm until 5pm. 

“On Saturday, I will be conducting an oversight visit at Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig at 11am until 12pm. Then, I will be at Job Shimankane Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg from 1pm until 2pm. The department has noted with serious concern allegations currently circulating on social media platforms saying there is a shortage of food in hospitals. 

“The department said the information goes on to call on families of patients to go to hospitals to take their patients on the basis of the alleged shortage of food. We wish to strongly condemn this misinformed and ill-conceived call, which violates patients’ rights and seeks to cause confusion and panic in public health facilities,” he said. 

Sambatha further said, while the misinformation seeks to paint a picture of total and widespread shortage of food, the department can only confirm that, a quick investigation on the matter revealed that the quantity of food was the only issue of concern.

He added that, it turned out that some of the items of food were missing from the normal meals at Lehurutshe/Zeerust Hospital Complex, but the management quickly identified this and intervened. 

“This challenge has been traced to inadequate supplies from the contracted service provider. However, the hospital was quickly authorised to procure the food items on an emergency basis. 

“The other hospitals, which were also cited in some of the social media posts including Klerksdorp/Tshepong and Witrand. The department also implemented an emergency procurement to beef up the food stock levels,” said Sambatha.

He said, the members of the public are advised to report any issue of concern to the department for intervention before causing public panic on essential services in health facilities.

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