The Limpopo Government plans to construct a R4.5bn state-of-the-art 488-bed hospital, beefing up the province’s existing 43 hospitals – five regional, 34 district and four specialised district institutions.
Provincial spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela said the site was in the southern part of Polokwane, north-east of the Peter Mokaba Stadium, and is estimated to create 1 220 part-time and 2 461 full-time jobs, reports The Citizen.
“When completed, it will be convenient for locals and those living beyond the province’s borders, and also save travel costs for patients.”
There are currently 2 291 doctors working in hospitals across the province’s five districts, said Limpopo Health Department spokesperson Neil Shikwambane: 174 specialists, 1 373 medical officers, 336 medical officers in community services and 408 medical office interns.
They were doing all they could to retain these staff, he added, especially in hospitals in far-flung rural areas.
More resources
“As a province that is vastly rural, we have now budgeted for 35 new ambulances, but through prioritisation and additional funds made orders for 78 ambulances, which will be commissioned and delivered and soon.
“We require more funding for these because the current fleet is actually (small) compared with our needs.”
He said the vastness of the province meant that the ambulances ratcheted up huge mileages very quickly. “The roads, especially in the rural areas, play a role in shortening the lifespan of these vehicles. There are 96 ambulances that have been grounded, from our fleet of 237.”
The Citizen article – Healthcare: R4.5 billion hospital to be built in Limpopo (Open access)
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