MSELENI Hospital in Hluhluwe has received an upgrades to the tune of more than R50-million.
Officially opened by KZN Health MEC, Sibongiseni Dhlomo in December, the new infrastructure is aimed at improving the health status of residents in uMkhanyakude District.
Improvements include an HIV/Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections and TB Unit totalling R5.7-million, a female ward totalling R18.97-million and a therapy unit and staff accommodation of 24 flats at a combined cost of R27.35-million.
The gold and silver health industry awards Mseleni Hospital received in 2014 and 2013 respectively have given the hospital a reputation as being a centre of excellence.
‘We are excited to be opening these infrastructure projects as they will assist a great deal in improving the quality of healthcare services we are providing,’ said Dhlomo.
‘Even though uMkhanyakude is not among the districts where national health insurance is being rolled out, we’ve made it a point that hospitals like Mseleni have the necessary capacity because of where they are located.’
Dhlomo went on to congratulate individual members of staff at Mseleni who have been awarded numerous service excellence awards over the years.
Among those was Dr Victor Freudlund who was last year awarded the Community Service Award by the South African Medical Association for his dedication to rural health, having served the people since 1981.
Dhlomo appealed to the likes of Freudland to groom up-and-coming doctors to dedicate their lives to serving the people regardless of their location.
Dhlomo reminded hospital staff that both health and education must be prioritised. Health workers must work towards increasing life expectancy, decreasing infant and maternal mortality, combating HIV/Aids and strengthening the health system’s effectiveness.
‘Indeed, there is still a long road to travel but let us all know that we are appreciated and on the right track,’ concluded Dhlomo.
