Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane and MEC Manzini officially opening the hospital
By Kopano Dibakwane
Bethal Regional Hospital was officially handed over by Mpumalanga Premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, alongside MEC for Health, Sasekani Manzini.
The handover reportedly follows a facelift that was approximately above R800 million, which also created 457 job opportunities for the local residents, including young people
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane, said the hospital was demolished and revamped to do away with the previous structure that was mainly asbestos. According to the Premier, the hospital was built in line with the prescripts that regulate the health sector.
“ This is quite a big district hospital that caters for the community of Sasol, in the main. We are very much delighted We have built a state-of-the-art hospital, equipped with digital equipment such as X-rays, Neo and Post Natal areas. Everything is of good quality and standard.
“ The Orthopaedic ward for females houses about 36 wards, there are also isolation wards. There’s no difference between this hospital and a private hospital. We are bringing the pride and dignity of the people of Bethal and Secunda.” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.
When asked about the plight of qualified doctors who are struggling to find employment, particularly in public health facilities, Mtshweni-Tsipane said that National Treasury, together with the Minister of Health(Dr Joe Phaahla), have made money available to absorb the unemployed medical practitioners.
“ As Mpumalanga, we make provision through our equitable share. We will be hiring 61(out of 95) of the doctors that we took to school. The interviews are underway as we speak and they will start working in due course,” she said.
Mpumalanga Department of Health said, in a statement, that additional services provided by the high-tech hospital include, amongst others; dental care unit, radiology, pharmacy, maternity ward and emergency service ward.
“ The high-tech digital hospital is in line with the National Health Insurance(NHI) standards to assist in achieving universal health coverage for all, regardless of economic or social background,” said the Department of Health in a statement.
