A collaborative partnership between the North West and Gauteng provincial Department of Health has led to the successful performing of the first-ever open heart surgery at a provincial referral hospital in the North West Province. Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital supported by the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) achieves the historical milestone on Friday the 24th of May 2024.

The patient is a 38-year-old woman who has been known to the Gauteng Cardiac Services since 2006. She suffered from mitral regurgitation (a leaking valve) with a sub-mitral aneurysm (abnormal swelling of the heart).

Surgery was recommended as far back as 2006, but she declined surgery back then as she was not emotionally ready. A decade later the patient agreed to have the surgery.

The discussions to start cardiac services at the Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital complex date back to 2010, with structural planning beginning a decade later. Heart operations, by their very nature, require enormous capital investments, manpower, and infrastructure. As such, this feat could only be achieved by careful planning and execution. Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital dedicated itself to achieving all the necessary requirements by renovating its theatres during the COVID-19 pandemic and acquiring the necessary equipment.

At the same time, various plenary meetings were held between the two hospitals to prepare for the now successful surgery. The hospital management, cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthetists, perfusionists and theatre-trained nurses supported by physicians, cardiologists and the clinical engineering team supported these efforts equally on both sides which led to the culmination of this historic achievement.

The patient has already been extubated. She is doing well in the intensive care unit and is in high spirits. This demonstrates that the intensive care unit at Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital is equally suited to managing complex cases.

Expressing her gratitude, the 38-year-old female patient Martha Vanstawel said “I am grateful for the care and treatment I received so far. I am also thankful that the operation was done here at home, where my family can easily come to see me. Thank you, all the doctors and nurses, and everyone who made this operation a success”. This was a clear demonstration that with the right mindset and resources, any government hospital could perform the surgeries that have often been viewed as surgeries performed only in tertiary university hospitals.

The North West MEC for Health Madoda Sambatha attributed this success to a vision which led to a progressive collaboration and commitment of a team of managers, specialists, doctors and nurses between Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital and the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). He also said that it is a result of the investment that his department has made in preparation for the National Health Insurance (NHI) over the years.

“This breakthrough no doubt demonstrates our ability to implement NHI. The surgery was state funded and done in a township which is exactly what NHI stands for,” said MEC Sambatha. Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said the collaboration has paved the way for enhanced healthcare delivery, ensuring that specialised services are accessible to all citizens in need of critical care regardless of their province of origin.

“This initiative exemplifies the transformation of health services in South Africa, focusing on access and equity to healthcare. By bringing such advanced medical care to the North-West, we ensure that patients receive the necessary treatment without the added burden of traveling long distances, thereby reducing both financial and emotional strain on them and their families,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The CMJAH team was led by Dr Tumi Taunyane, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery, who originally hails from Klerksdorp, and Dr Palesa Motshabi Chakane, Head of Anaesthesia. The Klerksdorp - Tshepong Hospital team was led by Dr Akin Ogunrombi (Thoracic Surgeon) and Dr Aunell Mallier (Anaesthetist).

Cardiac surgical patients needing heart operations at Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital have been referred to other centers in Bloemfontein and CMJAH Hospital. However, this initiative is bound to alleviate the pressure on the waiting times for surgery at central hospitals. Both the Health MECs for North West Gauteng, Ms Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko and Mr Madoda Sambatha would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to the Cardiac Surgical Team from the two hospitals, their CEOs, hospital management, nurses and clinicians, and everyone involved to ensure that this initiative is a success.

The collaboration Kerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital is not just a momentous occasion; it is a significant step towards the implementation of the National Health Insurance and achieving Universal Health Coverage.

By working together to develop a fully-fledged cardiac unit in the North West, government is ensuring that training, infrastructure improvements, and resource allocations are aligned to provide sustainable, high-quality healthcare. Sharing treatment guidelines and clinical protocols will guarantee that we deliver cost-effective services with excellent health outcomes.

Ends/

Issued by the North West and Gauteng Department of Health

Mr Motalatale Modiba, Gauteng Department of Health Head of Communication 064 803 0808

or

Mr Tebogo Lekgethwane North West Department of Health Departmental Spokesperson 067 422 7763

Mahikeng - The North West Department of Health has confirm availability of children vaccines in all health facilities across the province. This therefore renders the reported shortage of children vaccines as not factual.

The alleged shortage of children vaccines was reported to have affected three clinics of Mahikeng in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. Upon further probing of the allegations the affected clinics were reported to be Magogoe, Montshioa Stadt and Gateway Clinic located at the provincial hospital. Unfortunately all efforts to establish the veracity of the allegations proved futile as available data and interviews conducted confirmed that there was never a period in recent times when there was no vaccines.

The Department can confirm that it managed to maintain a satisfactory level of children vaccines availability at above 90% average for ages at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, 6 years, Grade 5 learners > 9 years of age and for 12 years olds.

However, the Department suspects that there could have been a gap in the effective communication regarding the introduction of a revised Immunization Schedule that came into effect from January 2024. The introduction of the new schedule follows a phased in – phase out approach of new and old vaccines. According to the previous Immunization Schedule, children were vaccinated against Pertussis at the ages of 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks with a booster dose at 18 months. The revised Immunization Schedule includes Pertussis-containing (TdaP) vaccines at the same ages with two additional doses at 6 years and 12 years of age. The revised Immunization schedule also includes Pertussis-containing (TdaP) vaccines in the Immunization schedule during pregnancy. The new Tdap Vaccine is already being ordered and issued to facilities in the Province. There is currently a total of 7974 x TdaP Vaccines in stock in the Province which is a sufficient quantity in the transitioning process to the Revised Immunization Schedule as introduced.

Meanwhile MEC Madoda Sambatha has established a Medicine Availability Intervention Team which has been given the responsibility of monitoring medicines stock levels

To date the work of this team has been to assess and intervene in among others the pharmaceutical supply chain issues, systems effectiveness, distribution and delivery processes, storage capacity, human resources capacity and on safety issues. Health MEC Madoda Sambatha has indicated that the assessment has been conducted across the province starting at the Mmabatho Medical Depot and moving into to the pharmacies in hospitals and clinics.

“The intervention has immediately resulted with improved communication between the medical depot and pharmacy managers in health facilities. This is important for speedy resolution of any bottlenecks in the distribution and delivery of medicine between the depot and health facilities”, said MEC Sambatha.

The intervention team has also identified short to long term plans like establishing mini-depots in the districts and opening of bulk pharmacies closer to the facilities. The new Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Bulk Pharmacy has recently been officially opened will improve medicine storage and distribution capacity in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.

Enquiries:

Tebogo Lekgethwane Departmental Spokesperson 0674227763

Khuthala Tshangela MLO MEC Support 0664586915

ISSUED BY NORTH WEST DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH  

END.

The North West Department of Health hereby wishes to set the record straight by refuting assertions made by the Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (HAITU) in a Press Statement dated 28 February 2024, in which the organisation said the department had underspent its 2022/2023 allocated budget by R200.6 million.

These claims by HAITU stem from an article published by the Independent Online (IOL) which contained an inaccurate figure cited to have been underspent by the department.

The North West Department of Health disputes this amount. On the contrary, the department can report only a R4,7 million underspending which was on Conditional Grant. A rollover request for this amount was granted by Treasury.

The Department wishes to refer everyone including HAITU to the 2022/2023 Departmental Annual Report in which the R4,7 million underspending is reported. Please find NW Health annual report here http://health.nwpg.gov.za/Annual-Reports

In the light of the facts above, the Department views the call for MEC Sambatha to be fired as baseless.

In his written response to Parliament, Health Minister Joe Phaahla mentioned that unspent budgets by provincial department of health had been rolled over to the 2023/2024 financial year.

Enquiries:

Tebogo Lekgethwane Departmental Spokesperson 0674227763 tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za

Or

Khuthala Tshangela MLO MEC Support 0664586915

-ENDS

ISSUED BY THE NORTH WEST DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha has commended progress made by the intervention team he appointed last year on 10 November 2023 to investigate medicine availability in the province. The intervention team started its work in earnest immediately and begun to intensify at the beginning of this year. The intervention team that boasts expertise from various disciplines in the department is co-led by the Deputy Director General (DDG) for Hospital and Clinical Support Services as well as DDG for District Health Services.

To date the work of this team has been to assess and intervene in among others the pharmaceutical supply chain issues, systems effectiveness, distribution and delivery processes, storage capacity, human resources capacity and on safety issues. This assessment has been conducted across the province starting at the Mmabatho Medical Depot and moving into to the pharmacies in hospitals and clinics. This extensive work is beginning to yield positive results that will lead to effective distribution of pharmaceutical products and medicine in the province.

The intervention has immediately resulted with improved communication between the medical depot and pharmacy managers in health facilities. This is important for speedy resolution of any bottlenecks in the distribution and delivery of medicine between the depot and health facilities.

Payment of suppliers has remained a priority and the Finance Unit has assisted the team by making good progress on payments of supplier accounts. The unit continues to investigate and intervene when suppliers indicate account status to the pharmacies. This led to increased number of deliveries from suppliers to the depot and increased direct deliveries to pharmacies from contracted companies as well as deliveries of main orders, allocation of orders and emergency orders from the depot to the pharmacies.

In commending the work of the intervention team, MEC Sambatha said that he expects the team to stabilise the availability and distribution of medicine in the province as soon as possible then return the service to normal operation.

“I am pleased with the progress noting that item levels are gradually increasing. I have noted and support the recommendations of the latest report which include among others improving on turnaround time for distribution of stock from Mmabatho Medical Stores to pharmacies and to improve on turnaround time for redistribution of stock between the health facilities”, said MEC Sambatha.

The intervention team has also identified short to long term plans like establishing mini-depots in the districts and opening of bulk pharmacies closer to the facilities. Ventersdorp Bulk Pharmacy is expected to be handed over soon which will improve medicine storage and distribution capacity in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.



Meanwhile the intervention team is also undertaking benchmarking exercises which will help with identifying best practices and coming back to implement the best possible solutions for the province.

Enquiries: Tebogo Lekgethwane Departmental Spokesperson 0674227763

Khuthala Tshangela MLO MEC Support 0664586915



ISSUED BY NORTH WEST DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

END.

The North West MEC for Health Madoda Sambatha has called on communities and workplace environments to provide more support for people living with epilepsy. The MEC was speaking on the first day of the National Epilepsy week which runs from 13-20 February 2024. The National Epilepsy Week campaign aims to raise awareness about epilepsy, dispel misconceptions, and advocate for the rights and well-being of people living with epilepsy. The campaign further serves as a platform for individuals to share their experiences with epilepsy and promote understanding about this neurological condition.

“Public fear and misunderstanding about epilepsy persists, making many people reluctant to talk about it. That reluctance leads to lives lived in the shadows, lack of understanding about individual risk, discrimination in workplaces and communities. People with epilepsy die prematurely at a higher rate compared to the general population,” MEC Sambatha pointed out.

He indicated the campaign’s role in challenging superstitions and eliminating discrimination to foster understanding about the neurological condition. “Despite affecting people worldwide, epilepsy still carries stigma. What the National Epilepsy Week seeks to achieve is to eliminate misconceptions, encourage open dialogue, and create a supportive community for people living with this neurological ailment,” MEC Sambatha said.

Key facts about epilepsy Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain that affects around fifty (50) million people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized) and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function.

Characteristics of seizures vary and depend on where in the brain the disturbance first starts, and how far it spreads. Temporary symptoms occur, such as loss of awareness or consciousness, and disturbances of movement, sensation (including vision, hearing and taste), mood, or other cognitive functions. People with epilepsy tend to have more physical problems such as fractures and bruising from injuries related to seizures, as well as higher rates of psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression. Causes Epilepsy is not contagious. Although many underlying disease mechanisms can lead to epilepsy, the cause of the disease is still unknown in about 50% of cases globally. The causes of epilepsy are divided into the following categories: structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immune and unknown. Examples include:

• Brain damage from prenatal or perinatal causes (e.g. a loss of oxygen or trauma during birth, low birth weight);

• Congenital abnormalities or genetic conditions with associated brain malformations;

• A severe head injury;

• A stroke that restricts the amount of oxygen to the brain;

• An infection of the brain such as meningitis, encephalitis or neurocysticercosis,

• Certain genetic syndromes; and a brain tumour.

Treatment Seizures can be controlled. Up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could become seizure free with appropriate use of antiseizure medicines. Discontinuing antiseizure medicine can be considered after 2 years without seizures and should take into account relevant clinical, social and personal factors.

-ENDS- Enquiries: Tebogo Lekgethwane Departmental Spokesperson 0674227763 tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za

ISSUED BY THE NORTH WEST DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Pregnancy Awareness Week, which takes place from 06 - 10 February 2024, aims to increase pregnancy education and highlight crucial topics that foster a healthy pregnancy and secure motherhood.

Early antenatal care is vital, as this allows your medical caregivers to monitor and manage existing medical conditions that can be aggravated by pregnancy, such as hypertension, diabetes and anaemia. Mothers can also recognise early danger signs during their pregnancy and prepare for the birth and complications which may arise.

Benefits of early antenatal care: • Free HIV testing and counselling is available. • Early identification of pregnancy and post-delivery danger indicators, as well as preparation for birth and potential complications. • Self-care which includes diet and cleanliness, as well as education about the roles of fathers, partners, and families. Additionally, pregnant women should know their rights, which include: • A woman's right to choose a birthing partner who will support her during her pregnancy and childbirth, as well as accompany her to the antenatal care clinic when she goes into labour. • Women have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and confidentiality. • The right of the woman to ask questions and receive explanations regarding her condition.

While postnatal depression is well known, depression during pregnancy is nearly as frequent and carries concerns of increased difficulties throughout the pregnancy and labour. There is effective medication available to lessen the dangers. Psychotherapy, group therapy, and even antenatal support groups are all extremely beneficial. Antidepressants are effective and when used in consultation with the mother's healthcare provider, are generally safe during pregnancy.

“As we are observing pregnancy awareness week, I encourage all women who suspect that they may be pregnant to visit their nearest clinics to ensure that their babies are safe and healthy and immediately enrol with an ante-natal class provided at their local primary healthcare facility. For teenagers who are first-time mothers-to-be, we have mentor mothers who can assist them throughout their pregnancy journey and ensure a safe delivery” said MEC Madoda Sambatha. -ENDS-

Enquiries: Tebogo Lekgethwane Departmental Spokesperson 0674227763 tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za

ISSUED BY THE NORTH WEST DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

In late October 2023, the Head of Department of Health Mr Obakeng Mongale was placed on special leave following his appearance in court over matters connected to his previous duties as Head of the Department of Public Works. The special leave granted under such circumstances is prescribed to last for sixty (60) days, and may be extended if there are exceptional circumstances supporting such an extension.

After extensive consultation and obtaining legal advice, Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape has determined that there are no valid exceptional legal reasons to extend the special leave of the HOD. As a consequence, HOD Mongale will resume his duties with effect from Monday, 08 January 2024. Premier Maape takes this opportunity to thank Dr Mmadipuo Tlhogane who acted as Superintendent General and Head of Department and kept the Department focused on its service delivery mandate whilst Mr. Mongale was on special leave. Premier Maape will also like to extend his gratitude to MEC Madoda Sambatha for his leadership and guidance during this unprecedented development in the department. All necessary arrangements have been made to allow for a smooth handover process as the substantive SG resumes his duties.

The office of the Premier will continue to monitor the situation in the department, and inform the public of any further decision if any new developments arise.



The return of HOD Mongale from special leave does not stop the ongoing work by the office of the Premier to interrogate all documentation and reports linked to the case he is facing. The office has obtained sufficient information linked to the case of the HOD and can assure the public that there is no risk of interference with the case. Once the team in the office of the Premier concludes its assessment, the Premier will consider any further recommendations regarding the future of the HOD, and inform the public accordingly. Ends

Issued by the North West Office of the Premier. For enquiries, contact

Sello Tatai Spokesperson to the Premier North West Provincial Government Cell: 064 756 2510/082 450 7842 E-mail: statai38@gmail.com

or

Mr Brian Setswambung Provincial Head of Communication Office of the Premier North West Provincial Government Cell: 076 012 4501 E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za

The North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha has on Monday, 06 November 2023 announced that the Department’s Superintendent-General Mr Obakeng Mongale hasbeen granted a special leave of absence to afford him time to deal with allegations of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) which have been levelled against him.

The allegations have to do with a R470 million tender for the construction of Brits Hospital which Mr Mongale awarded when he was the HOD of the North West Department of Public Works in 2008. It is alleged that Mr Mongale awarded the tender to Ilima Projects and Tsoga Developments and that the two companies did not meet the tender requirements. “While the SG handed himself over to the police on the 3rd November 2023, he has protested his innocence and it is only fair that he should be given space and time to deal with the allegations. I have therefore granted him a special leave of absence pending the finalisation of his court case”, said MEC Madoda Sambatha

MEC Sambatha also indicated that affording the SG a special leave of absence will assist the department to seek legal counsel on the matter. However, the determination of leave of absence (clause 26.3) does provide for special leave for various reasons including “for any other purpose”. “I have also taken a decision to appoint the Chief Director for Corporate Services Dr Madipuo Tlhogane as the Acting Superintendent-General for the period of the special leave of absence of the substantive SG”, said MEC Sambatha

LATEST ON OTHER CASES INVOLVING TWO SENIOR MANAGERS The Department can also state that the disciplinary processes involving the former Chief Financial Officer, Ms Bertha Maleka has been concluded. The outcome of the disciplinary hearings found her guilty. She faced several charges including contravention of various supply chain management prescripts, contravention of the departmental records management policy, financial misconduct and others.

Another matter is that of Mr Vuyo Mbulawa who was transferred from the Office of the Premier (OOP) to the Department of Health in January 2023. Since his transfer, he never reported for duty due to alleged ill-health. He has since applied for temporary incapacity leave. The application has been referred to the Department’s Health Risk Managers for determination of whether the incapacity leave should or should not be approved. The application is thus pending. Prior to his appointment at Office of the Premier, Mr Mbulawa was a Corporate Services Chief Director in the Department of Health and was on several occasions appointed as the Acting HOD. He was charged with misconduct relating to the procurement of medical equipment for Moses Kotane and Joe Morolong Memorial hospital. He never attended any sitting of the disciplinary inquiry thereby occasioning several postponements. The reason for his non-attendance of the hearing is the alleged ill-health. His last attempt to have the case postponed did not succeed. The chairperson dismissed his application for a further postponement and the inquiry proceeded in his absence. The Department adduced evidence of its witnesses and closed its case. The chairperson of the inquiry is expected to hand down a ruling on the guilt or innocence of Mr Mbulawa before end of this month (November).

“In the light of the outcome of the disciplinary process involving the formers CFO, I have then given the Department a go ahead to advertise and fill the position of the CFO since it has now been officially vacated. On the matter involving Mr Mbulawa, I will therefore not temper with the current processes but will await the ruling by the chairperson of the enquiry”, concluded MEC Madoda Sambatha.

Enquiries: Tebogo Lekgethwane Department Spokesperson 0674227763 tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za

Khuthala Tshangela MLO MEC Support 0664586915

Issued by North West Department of Health END