To: All Media Institutions
MEC LEKWENE OBSERVES THE 2022 WORLD RADIOGRAPHY DAY
As part of the Department’s programme to create awareness on World Radiography day about the benefits of medical imaging, the Northern Cape Health MEC, Mr. Maruping Lekwene today urges members of the community to always dedicate time (once in a while) to visit their nearest public health facility for a medical check-up, and keep themselves in good health.This clarion call comes after the World celebrates Radiography day today, under the theme, “Radiographers at the Forefront of Patient Safety.” The purpose of the day is to raise public awareness of radiographic imaging and therapy, which plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of a patient and to further establish prognosis, as well as follow-up on treatment to patient.
In celebrating World Radiography day, MEC Lekwene expresses his appreciation to all health personnel across the length and breadth of the Northern Cape, for their continued efforts and dedication towards providing quality health care to communities.“It is therefore appropriate that we take this opportunity to thank our health care practitioners, allied health professionals and support staff, who have heeded the call of government to serve our people with pride and humility. By its very essence health care touches on the existence of our people and we remain committed towards rendering quality health care services to the citizens of the Northern Cape.”The recruitment and retention of scarce skills is a priority to this department. This year alone, the Department recruited one (1) additional radiologist (specialist) and fifteen (15) radiographers in the province. This gives us a total capacity of 2 radiologist specialists, 6 medical officers in the radiology unit and 82 radiographers. The process for the recruitment of radiographers in the province is ongoing and bearing positive fruits. It must be noted that due to the competition with bigger provinces, our turnover of staff in these positions remains high, but our processes are assisting to limit the impact and to ensure continued service delivery.
In terms of scans conducted at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe hospital, a total of 6252 CT scans and 1722 Mammography examinations were performed on patients requiring urgent treatment. Added to this, the hospital has a low-dose X-ray machine, known as Lodox. The machine provides the hospital trauma team with immediate information on the precise location and severity of any internal injuries – vital information to treat a gunshot wound, stabbing or multiple fractures.In strengthening our infrastructure capacity, funding has been set-aside for the establishment of radiography services in the Province.
Our Radiation Oncology project is already underway, and the advertisement for the tender will be issued soon. In the main, a professional service provider has been appointed by the Department to assist with the establishment of this project. It is envisaged that this project will also make Nuclear Medicine available to our communities.Lastly, we urge members of the communities to visit their nearest public health facility for a medical check-up, and keep themselves in good health. The earlier we detect any type of disease, the better - the chances of receiving treatment that can save one’s life.
For enquiries, contact:
Mr Lebogang Majaha
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Health
Northern Cape Province
