The people of Middelburg and the wider Nkangala District have a world-class new home for their healthcare. President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially opened the new King Nyabela Hospital in Mpumalanga, describing it as government delivering on its promise of quality healthcare for all, SAnews reports.
The 220-bed Level 1 district hospital replaces the old Middelburg Hospital and will serve some 240 000 people living in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, in a province where about 87% of residents rely on public healthcare.
“Healthcare is about giving every man, woman and child the chance to live with dignity. This is the promise of our Constitution, which declares that everyone has the right of access to health care services,” the President said at the opening.
Comprehensive care under one roof
The new facility is impressively complete. It houses surgical, medical, paediatric, antenatal, postnatal, neonatal and high-care wards, alongside three state-of-the-art operating theatres and a 24-hour accident and emergency department.
Outpatients are equally well looked after, with services that include:
- A pharmacy, dentistry and eye care
- TB and HIV management
- Dietetics and nutrition services
- Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and social work
- Mental health services and medical male circumcision
President Ramaphosa held the range of services up as an example of what he called comprehensive healthcare. “Comprehensive health care is about walking alongside our people through every season of their lives. It is about helping people to keep and stay healthy and starting to do so when they are still children,” he said.
On time and on budget
In a detail that deserves its own applause, the President noted that King Nyabela Hospital was delivered on time and on budget, setting the standard he wants for every hospital and clinic commissioned as South Africa moves towards universal health coverage under the National Health Insurance, which aims to ensure everyone can access quality health services regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.
The opening was attended by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, alongside proud community members and the healthcare workers who will bring the building to life.
A name that honours history
The hospital carries the name of King Nyabela, the celebrated leader of the Ndzundza-Ndebele people and son of King Mabhoko, rooting this modern facility in the proud heritage of the region it serves.
For a growing town at the heart of Mpumalanga, the message is simple and hopeful: quality care, close to home, built for the next generation.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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