Two years later, Kimberley Mental Health Hospital still not at capacity

Two years later, Kimberley Mental Health Hospital still not at capacity

This month it is two years since Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul opened the multimillion-rand Kimberley Mental Health Hospital, calling it a ‘monument of corruption’. By then, Saul said the hospital, which has a capacity of 287 beds, already had 160 patients and will be operationalised in phases. Yet, union Nehawu, community healthcare workers, activists, and some mental health practitioners insist mental health users in the public sector are still disadvantaged because the hospital is still not running at capacity. Refilwe Mochoari reports.

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Northern Cape government yet to decide on fate of senior health officials facing fraud charges

Northern Cape government yet to decide on fate of senior health officials facing fraud charges

The Northern Cape provincial government is still deciding whether or not to act against two of the province’s top health officials who this week appeared in court on charges of fraud and corruption. Opposition parties and trade unions are calling for the officials to be suspended.

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COVID-19: How vaccination numbers compare in SA’s provinces

COVID-19: How vaccination numbers compare in SA’s provinces

Over five million people in South Africa have so far received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Elri Voigt unpacks how the vaccination rollout is going in South Africa’s nine provinces. Though the numbers do not tell the full story and provinces face different challenges, indications are that Limpopo, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal are doing well, while Mpumalanga is struggling.

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COVID-19: What provinces have planned for older persons

COVID-19: What provinces have planned for older persons

Phase II of South Africa’s vaccination rollout has started. Elri Voigt unpacks how provinces will go about vaccinating those aged 60 and older.

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UPDATE: How provinces are gearing up for the launch of mass vaccination

UPDATE: How provinces are gearing up for the launch of mass vaccination

With phase two of the country’s vaccination rollout set to start on Monday, 17 May, provinces are gearing up for the largest adult vaccination push the country has ever seen. Elri Voigt provides an update on preparations for the next phase in the nine provinces and progress made in vaccinating healthcare workers through the Sisonke implementation study.

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Analysis: High turn-over in Health MECs continues

Analysis: High turn-over in Health MECs continues

After the 2019 elections, new MECs for Health (provincial ministers) were appointed in four of South Africa’s nine provinces. Less than two years later, three of the four are no longer in their jobs, writes Marcus Low.

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OP-ED: Underpaid and Unprotected -The case for supporting Community Health Workers

OP-ED: Underpaid and Unprotected -The case for supporting Community Health Workers

If we are serious about Universal Health Care, we need to match the commitment shown by community health workers (CHWs). Not only must their contribution to the pandemic response be adequately recognised, but CHWs deserve a say in health policymaking and implementation that affects them, the authors argue.

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In Focus: Unpacking the Northern Cape’s COVID-19 response

In Focus: Unpacking the Northern Cape’s COVID-19 response

The Northern Cape Health Department has come under fire from NEHAWU, the DA, residents and healthcare workers for not testing enough and dragging its feet with its COVID-19 response. Refilwe Mekoa and Alicestine October investigate.

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