Quality healthcare for Graskop

Written by More Matshediso

Graskop residents and surrounding communities in Thaba Chweu, Mpumalanga, are set to benefit from a new state-of-the-art clinic that was recently handed over to the Mpumalanga Department of Health by the South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL).

SAFCOL’s Chief Executive Officer Tsepo Monaheng committed to building the Glory Hill Clinic for the community after the forestry company held a Mandela Day activity at the old clinic last year. At the time, an old community hall was being used as the local clinic.

Approximately R3 million was invested by SAFCOL to construct the new 266m² clinic, which consists of a reception area and seven consulting rooms, with modern finishes; air conditioning; adequate onsite parking and a spacious dispensary.

Improved access

It will benefit about 4 500 people from Graskop and surrounding communities, who now have improved access to adequate healthcare.

“This is a wonderful journey that we have been through. We have a responsibility to impact people’s lives positively and we are sure that the clinic will not only do this, but it will also have a positive impact on surrounding communities too,” said Monaheng.

Mpumalanga’s Health MEC Sasekani Manzini and Thaba Chweu Local Municipality Executive Mayor Fridah Nkadimeng attended the official handover of Glory Hill Clinic recently.

“We are extremely pleased to be receiving this donation from SAFCOL. It is a major boost to our ongoing fight against the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), which has changed the world as we knew it and has become a dominant factor in our lives,” said MEC Manzini.

She explained that the clinic, which will be managed by the department, will improve citizens’ lives and lessen the burden on these poor communities.

“It’s always encouraging when businesses give back to their communities© The clinic offers a highly effective solution to fulfil our critical need of ensuring that we deliver quality healthcare services to our people, as it says in our Bill of Rights.

“Everyone has the right to access healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare, and no one may be refused emergency medical treatment,” said MEC Manzini.

She added that the clinic showed the result of the public and private sectors working together for the transformation and development of the economy.

“It offers us an opportunity to strengthen the existing health system and deliver a package of essential healthcare services,” said MEC Manzini.