Latest news with #GautengMECforHealthandWellness
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
'Stop telling stories without facts': Gauteng Health MEC says foreigners pay for healthcare
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Rakehoko with chief executive of Tshwane District Hospital, Monene Mogashoa during the MEC's visit to the institution. Image: Jonisayi Maromo/IOL Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has criticised the vigilante blockages where activists have been blocking state-owned hospital entrances, demanding identification from patients and turning away foreign nationals. A week ago, IOL reported that members of Operation Dudula in Gauteng and members of the March and March movement began their campaign of manning the gates of government clinics and hospitals, including Addington Hospital, Gateway Clinic and RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, preventing alleged undocumented foreigners from accessing healthcare. Speaking to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika on Wednesday, Nkomo-Ralehoko said the South African government has agreements with some countries where funds are recouped for services provided to foreign nationals in South Africa. For immigrants who walk into hospitals in Gauteng, without any government recommendation, the MEC said they are subject to stipulated fees for medical care. 'Yes, we do have those agreements, and some of those agreements, the countries are paying. But individuals that come on their own accord in the hospitals, they do pay too. There is this notion that everybody that gets there (government hospitals), coming from foreign countries, is not paying, that is not true,' she said. 'Not everyone is not paying. Like South Africans, some come and do not have money, but we make arrangements even for anyone that comes to our institutions who does not have the R100 to pay. There is no such. 'That is why I always say, people sometimes must stop telling stories that they do not have facts about. They must come so that we are able to explain to them,' said the Health MEC. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading She said in many incidents, heavily pregnant women arrive at the healthcare facility, presenting an emergency, and turning them away because of nationality would be catastrophic for the mothers and unborn children. 'It is emergency cases, some of those people that come, that is why I get worried when people get turned away. Once it is an emergency, on that person, you don't have a choice, you can't stop that person,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. 'It is not right what you are doing, of violating other people's rights, you bring cameras so that you can show-off that indeed you are turning them back.' The MEC there are ongoing discussions with non-government organisations and different stakeholders. 'We have to resolve this issue, all of us as South Africans. We cannot be seen being xenophobic, targeting specific nations so that they cannot get these services,' she said. A week ago, IOL reported that the government had resolved to deploy Public Order Police to several public health facilities following a wave of protests in which foreign nationals were blocked from receiving medical care. Clashes were previously seen at Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital in Tshwane when police used stun grenades to disperse members of Operation Dudula who were vetting people entering the hospital. Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Media The South African Police Service, along with other law enforcement agencies, were implementing an operational plan to address protests by groups blocking foreign nationals' access to healthcare facilities. "The SAPS in collaboration with the Department of Health, is deploying Public Order Police to maintain law and order during the protests at the affected health facilities," said the government in a statement. The government added that law enforcement officials, working alongside the Department of Home Affairs, will continue to arrest and prosecute foreign nationals found to be in breach of the Immigration Act. This escalation comes amid growing pressure from groups such as Operation Dudula and March and March, who accuse the government of failing to address the country's migration challenges. These groups argue that foreign nationals are placing undue pressure on South Africa's public healthcare system. They want foreign nationals to be denied medical care. IOL News
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Youth explore healthcare careers at Bertha Gxowa Hospital expo
The last leg of the Youth Health Plug Career Expo took place on June 27 at Bertha Gxowa Hospital. Young people interested in exploring career opportunities within the health sector were encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. This weeklong expo saw a number of young people flock to the event to access information and learn about various opportunities available. ALSO READ: Career expo hits local schools This campaign aims to empower young people through exposure, interaction, and inspiration, encouraging them to view healthcare as a life-changing career choice that offers opportunities to serve and lead. The expos showcase different healthcare careers, including nursing, medicine, radiography, pharmacy, therapeutic services (physiotherapy, nutrition, dietetics, social work, audiology, and speech therapy), emergency medical services (EMS), clinical forensic services, and employee health and wellness. The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, conducted a walkabout and interacted with young people on the last day of the event. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Phelophepa train brings free healthcare to Sedibeng residents
VEREENIGING – Hundreds of residents from across the Sedibeng District have once again benefited from the Transnet Phelophepa Healthcare Train, which has been providing a wide range of free health services, including general healthcare, dental care, psychological support, optometry, and chronic care. For the past two weeks, the train has been stationed at the Vereeniging Train Station, where it has become a hub of care and compassion. Each morning, long lines form as community members arrive early to access essential services. The dedication of residents, especially the elderly, highlights the vital need for accessible healthcare in the region. On June 25, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, visited the healthcare train to oversee operations, connect with residents, and emphasise the importance of prioritizing health. She was accompanied by representatives from Transnet, the Gauteng Department of Health, and local government officials. Speaking to Ster North, train manager Bheki Mendlula expressed gratitude for the MEC's consistent support. 'Before we arrived in Vereeniging, we were in Heidelberg, and the MEC visited us there too. Her regular visits show true commitment and help strengthen our partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, one of our key stakeholders,' he said. Mendlula also noted that one of the most in-demand services was the eye clinic, which offers immediate prescription glasses, a major draw for residents who might otherwise face delays at local clinics. However, he raised concerns about people sleeping at the station overnight to secure a spot in line. 'We don't encourage this, especially since most of the people are elderly. Winter nights can be harsh and unsafe. But many still do it because they've come from far away and don't want to miss the opportunity,' he said. This visit marked more than just care at the station; the Phelophepa outreach programme extended its services deeper into local communities. Healthcare workers visited schools and offered support to learners, working in partnership with the Department of Education to bring healthcare directly to those in need. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
School wellness programme shifts into gear
In a bid to enhance learner health and well-being, the Gauteng Department of Health has strengthened its school health services by giving Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) teams in Tshwane two new vehicles. The vehicles were officially handed over by Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, at a ceremony held at Inxiweni Primary School at Tembisa in Ekurhuleni district on June 20. According to the department, the vehicles will enable the programme to reach more learners with crucial health screenings, vaccinations, and health education. The department reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to primary health care, particularly in townships, hostels, and informal settlements, where the need is greatest. MEDIA STATEMENT || GAUTENG HEALTH HANDS OVER NEW VEHICLES TO STRENGTHEN SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES — Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) June 20, 2025 The MEC emphasised the department's continued investment in learner health and well-being. 'This is more than a handover, it is a message to our young people that their health matters. We are taking services directly to schools, especially in underserved areas, to ensure every learner receives the care they need,' she said. She said the handover comes at a critical time as the province responds to a growing measles outbreak. Nkomo-Ralehoko said the vehicles will assist ISHP teams in expanding vaccination campaigns and closing immunity gaps in schools and communities. 'These vehicles will help us reach more learners with life-saving vaccines. We must close the immunity gap and stop the spread of measles and rubella,' she explained. The new fleet comprising seven branded Isuzu vans has been distributed to all five districts in the province, including Ekurhuleni (2), Johannesburg (1), Tshwane (2), Sedibeng (1), and West Rand (1). Nkomo-Ralehoko said these join the seven vehicles delivered in 2024, expanding the ISHP fleet to 14. In addition, she said the ISHP offers health screenings for hearing, vision, oral health, and mental well-being, as well as immunisations and health education. 'The programme plays a vital role in identifying and addressing health issues that may affect learning outcomes.' David Manganyi, educator and departmental head at Inxiweni Primary School, explained how the programme has become an essential support system for schools. 'As educators, we are trained to deliver curriculum content, but when it comes to health-related challenges like speech or vision impairments, we need support, and that's where the Integrated School Health Programme makes a real difference,' he said. 'It takes a village to raise a child, and this programme reminds them that education and health must go hand in hand to support the holistic development of every learner.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng Health's warning for parents
The department confirmed 16 hospital admissions in Tshwane The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has sounded the alarm over a growing measles outbreak and is calling on parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated. On Sunday, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko urged the public to support ongoing vaccination campaigns in schools and communities as cases climb across the province. 'We must close the immunity gap in our communities and prevent further spread of the highly contagious diseases, particularly measles and rubella. 'Vaccination is simple, safe, and is our best protection against harmful diseases,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. What area has the most cases? According to the GDoH, 191 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were recorded between 1 January and 19 June 2025. Tshwane is the most affected with 81 cases, followed by Johannesburg (80), Ekurhuleni (27), Sedibeng (2), and West Rand (1). Outbreak hotspots include Mamelodi and Winterveld in Tshwane, where targeted school vaccination campaigns have already reached more than 18 000 pupils across 31 schools. In Johannesburg, more than 3 500 people have been vaccinated in areas such as Diepsloot, Cosmo City, Hillbrow, Midrand, and Rosettenville. The department noted this is well below the level required to prevent outbreaks. 'Immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in both Johannesburg and Tshwane,' it warned. ALSO READ: Over 34 000 patients waiting for surgeries in Gauteng's public hospitals Province-wide campaign underway Furthermore, the GDoH has launched a four-week province-wide vaccination campaign. Interfacility immunisation has also begun, offering booster doses to all age groups, regardless of their vaccination history. In Ekurhuleni, the drive has reached children in Daveyton, Slovo Park, Tembisa, and Barcelona, where 560 children have been vaccinated so far. Though West Rand and Sedibeng have reported few cases, the department says both districts remain on high alert with intensified surveillance and readiness to respond quickly to new infections. ALSO READ: Gauteng hospitals get major tech overhaul to slash scan backlogs No deaths The department confirmed 16 hospital admissions due to measles in Tshwane, with all patients discharged. No reported deaths have occurred. Health facilities have been instructed to isolate positive cases and vaccinate close contacts immediately. Infected individuals are advised to isolate at home for at least seven days, while all suspected cases receive Vitamin A supplements to reduce complications. 'We encourage everyone to support our outreach teams and protect our children's health,' added Nkomo-Ralehoko. NOW READ: Gauteng health urges parents to take children for immunisation
