Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially opened the new King Nyabela Hospital, a significant step in fulfilling the government's commitment to universal health coverage for all. With approximately 87% of the population in Mpumalanga relying entirely on public healthcare, the 220-bed hospital is crucial for the 240,000 residents of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President emphasized that healthcare is about ensuring every individual can live with dignity, as promised by the Constitution, which asserts that everyone has the right to access healthcare services. The state is mandated to take reasonable measures within available resources to realize this right. The new district hospital is a testament to this constitutional commitment.
The hospital offers a comprehensive range of services, including surgical, medical, pediatric, antenatal, postnatal, neonatal, and high-care wards. It also features advanced accident and emergency departments and three operating theatres. For outpatients, services include a pharmacy, TB and HIV management, dentistry, eye care, dietetics and nutrition services, social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, medical male circumcision, and mental health care.
President Ramaphosa described these services as a model of 'comprehensive health care services', emphasizing that healthcare extends beyond emergency responses to encompass a holistic approach to health, covering prevention, early detection, and management of various health issues.
Turning to the National Health Insurance (NHI), President Ramaphosa highlighted that at its core, the NHI is about implementing the constitutional right of access to healthcare, irrespective of one's location or financial capacity. The NHI aims to establish a universal health coverage system and a centralized national insurance fund that will purchase healthcare services from both public and private providers.
The President underscored the need for a well-governed healthcare sector with skilled personnel, high service delivery standards, and uninterrupted access to necessary medicines for the NHI's success. He stressed that projects like the King Nyabela Hospital must be delivered on time and within budget, with no tolerance for corruption or waste in health infrastructure procurement.
President Ramaphosa also acknowledged the essential role of healthcare workers, recognizing their dedication and the challenges they face. He lauded the healthcare workers at the new facility and nationwide for their commitment and service to the community.
