Latest news with #Nkomo-Ralehoko
The Citizen
a day ago
- Health
- The Citizen
New MRI machine installed at Steve Biko
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) says it's accelerating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine updates to enhance patient care across public facilities. Provincial Health and Wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said so while speaking during a legislative response to the state of MRI machines across hospitals. Nkomo-Ralehoko said the department acknowledges the past delays in service provision due to machine breakdowns, ageing infrastructure and limited distribution of MRI units. 'We have taken steps to ensure that MRI machines are supported by service-level agreements to prevent lengthy downtimes and ensure quick resolution of technical faults. Several new machines have been commissioned. and staff capacity is being enhanced to manage demand,' she said. MRI is a non-invasive medical imaging technique used to create detailed images of the body's internal structure using strong magnetic fields and radio waves. It's used to diagnose various medical conditions, monitor treatment and assess soft tissue, bone and blood vessels. MRI doesn't use ionising radiation like X-rays, making it safer for patients. All four provincial central hospitals, including Steve Biko Academic Hospital, have functional MRI machines. The hospital recently installed a new MRI machine to replace the one decommissioned in 2023. Hospitals without this service offer referrals to nearby facilities depending on urgency and clinical need, and the system is monitored daily. Steve Biko and Dr George Mukhari hospitals offer same-day MRIs for emergencies, while other hospitals conduct inpatient scans within a week. To assist backlogs at hospitals such as Dr George Mukhari (450 patients), extended imaging hours, optimised booking systems and improved radiology staffing have been implemented. The department is also upgrading digital systems such as the picture archiving and communication system to streamline data handling and reporting, as well as exploring helium-free technology to protect the service in times of cable theft. ALSO READ: Drunk teen driver caught without licence 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
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Protect your child against diseases with immunisation, says health department
Protect your child against diseases with immunisation, says health department Residents are urged by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) to immunise their children as Tshwane records a 76.6% immunisation rate. The stat comes after the recent data from the department, which shows that 213 389 children under the age of one year were fully vaccinated during the 2024/25 financial year. This translates to 82.3% coverage, which falls short of the provincial target of 90%. Similarly, only 78.4% of children received their second dose of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, well below the 92% target. As mentioned, Tshwane's rate stands at 76.6%, the Sedibeng District recorded a 98% full immunisation under one year, and 96.1% MR second dose coverage. Provincial Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said that protecting children from preventable diseases is part of upholding their right to health. 'Failing to complete a child's immunisation schedule is not just a medical oversight; it is a silent threat to their well-being and a subtle form of neglect. We must all recommit to protecting the rights of our children by ensuring they receive every scheduled vaccine on time because a healthy child is a protected child,' Nkomo-Ralehoko said. Immunisation is an intervention that protects children against life-threatening infectious diseases such as measles, rubella, polio, and hepatitis B. The GDoH said immunisation services are freely available at all public health facilities in Gauteng, but not enough children are completing their vaccination schedules, putting them at risk. The department has also identified poor adherence to follow-up appointments as one of the contributing factors to underperformance in certain districts. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit their nearest clinic or mobile outreach point to check their child's immunisation status and catch up on any missed vaccines. ALSO READ: Collect your June SASSA grants from tomorrow 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 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng health urges parents to take children for immunisation
Children are vaccinated according to the national Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) schedule, from birth to 12 years old. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is urging parents, caregivers, and communities to ensure children are fully immunised. It warned that failure to do so places young lives at risk and undermines their right to a healthy life. This call coincides with South Africa's observance of National Child Protection Week, from 29 May to 5 June 2025. The department on Thursday emphasised that protecting children from preventable diseases is a vital part of honouring their constitutional right to life, health, and dignity. Alarming drop in vaccination rates Despite immunisation services being freely available at all public health facilities in the province, coverage remains below target. According to departmental data, only 82.3% of children under the age of one were fully vaccinated in the 2024/25 financial year, short of the 90% target. The second dose of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine recorded an even lower uptake at 78.4%, against the provincial goal of 92%. 'Failing to complete a child's immunisation schedule is not just a medical oversight, it is a silent threat to their well-being, and a subtle form of neglect,' said Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. ALSO READ: Spike in foodborne illness prompts Gauteng crackdown on non-compliant establishments, says health MEC Sedibeng district leading The department highlighted disparities in coverage across districts. Sedibeng is leading the way, achieving 98% full immunisation for children under one and 96.1% for the MR second dose. However, metropolitan districts such as Tshwane (76.6%), Ekurhuleni (78.6%), and Johannesburg (85%) continue to underperform. One of the contributing factors is poor adherence to follow-up vaccination appointments. The GDoH said it will strengthen public awareness on the importance of completing vaccination schedules and implement coordinated school holiday campaigns, working with Integrated School Health Programme (ISH) teams and outbreak response units. ALSO READ: Gauteng health warns of 'silent killer' 'Immunisation is a right, not a choice' Children are vaccinated according to the national Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) schedule, from birth to 12 years old. Each vaccine visit is recorded in the Road to Health Booklet, which parents must present at every clinic appointment. The department is also intensifying efforts to track children who missed routine vaccines, particularly in underserved areas, and will continue to offer outreach services to close these gaps. 'This Child Protection Week, we must all recommit to protecting the rights of our children by ensuring they receive every scheduled vaccine on time, because a healthy child is a protected child,' Nkomo-Ralehoko said. GDoH reminded parents that ensuring a child is fully immunised is not only a health responsibility, but also a moral and legal obligation under South Africa's child protection laws. NOW READ: Health minister defends nearly R10 million legal spend on NHI court battles
Eyewitness News
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Leaders place education at the heart of efforts to transform Africa's children
JOHANNESBURG - Government leaders have placed education at the heart of efforts to transform the continent's children - and drive long-term economic growth. At the Africa Day celebration at Freedom Park in Pretoria, officials highlighted the role of education in building the Africa envisioned under this year's theme: 'building the Africa we want through solidarity, equality and sustainability.' Freedom Park came alive with music, cultural performances and formal addresses, as South Africans joined the rest of the continent in marking Africa Day. This year also marks the 11th edition of Africa Month, focusing on unity, heritage, and sustainable development. Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko stressed the importance of seeing education beyond just the classroom. "Education does not only happen in the classrooms. It happens in the theatres, in our libraries, and in our sports fields, through the preservation of our indigenous languages and cultures." Nkomo-Ralehoko added that the government must continue investing in education to empower future African leaders.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng health warns of ‘silent killer' as many unaware they have hypertension
'People under the age of 40 are increasingly being diagnosed, often due to lifestyle risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, and obesity.' The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) on Sunday called on residents to get screened for hypertension. It warned that many South Africans are living with high blood pressure without knowing it, putting them at risk of serious health complications. The appeal coincides with World Hypertension Day, commemorated globally on 17 May. 'Silent killer' According to the department, hypertension is often dubbed the 'silent killer' and is frequently undiagnosed until severe medical events such as strokes, heart attacks or kidney failure occur. Gauteng MEC for health and wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said in a statement that high blood pressure remains a major public health challenge both globally and locally. 'Worryingly, people under the age of 40 are increasingly being diagnosed, often due to lifestyle risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, and obesity,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. ALSO READ: Municipal water disruption affects services at Carletonville Hospital According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.28 billion adults worldwide are living with hypertension, but more than 700 million remain undiagnosed. In South Africa, more than one in three adults has high blood pressure, and of those, more than half are unaware of their condition. Low treatment, low control The department expressed particular concern over poor treatment and control rates. 'Of the people living with hypertension, only a third are on treatment, and among those on treatment, only a third have their blood pressure under control,' said the MEC. This lack of awareness and management significantly increases the risk of complications. WHO reports that hypertension contributes to 13% of all deaths globally and is responsible for one in every two strokes and two in every five heart attacks in South Africa. ALSO READ: DA blames Charlotte Maxeke hospital CEO for food and hot water issues Free screenings available To address this growing burden, GDoH is ramping up its hypertension awareness and screening campaigns. Free blood pressure screenings are available at all public health clinics and during mobile outreach events. 'Members of the public have been urged to visit their nearest healthcare facilities for free regular screenings for hypertension or high blood pressure, ensuring that they know their numbers (blood pressure) and control it to live longer,' Nkomo-Ralehoko said. ALSO READ: Gauteng underspends budget but says R1.8bn not lost Promoting healthy living The department is also working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), medical professionals, and community leaders to promote healthier lifestyles. Public education campaigns are being rolled out to inform people about prevention, early detection, and treatment adherence. Hypertension can be managed with the right lifestyle changes and medical intervention. These include a balanced diet, regular physical activity, reduced salt intake, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol consumption. 'Stopping treatment or ignoring symptoms can have devastating consequences. Hypertension is manageable, but it must first be detected,' added the MEC. The GDoH reiterated its commitment to improving access to care and preventing premature deaths through increased awareness, early diagnosis, and consistent treatment of high blood pressure. NOW READ: Court grants Gauteng Health's appeal in the cancer treatment backlog case
