The new sub-dermal implant contraceptive is now available at 88 primary healthcare facilities across Ekurhuleni.
Since the launch of the implant into public health facilities by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, in February, this year, the Ekurhuleni Metro has trained 142 of its nurses to be competent in inserting the implant without supervision. says manager for Maternal Health, Childcare and Women’s Health, Dr Zodwa Mabange.
“Upon completing a short course, each trainee is required to practically insert five implants under supervision at a clinic before becoming accredited,” says manager for maternal health, childcare and women’s health, Dr Zodwa Mabange.
“This is to ensure that the staff member is competent and can therefore implant independently.”
The device – which is inserted underneath the skin on the inner side of a woman’s upper arm – has proven to be a popular method of contraceptive.
Over 14 800 women in Ekurhuleni have already had the sub-dermal contraceptive device inserted at public facilities since March.
“Since we began with the rollout we have received positive feedback from women and no cases of fatal side effects have been reported,” adds Mabange.
Meanwhile, the metro is continuing to train more of its nurses and soon women who visit Motsamai Clinic, Germiston City Clinic, Selope Thema Clinic and Spartan Clinic will also have the option to utilise this form of contraception.
Presently they are being referred to nearby clinics.
Clinics offering the service locally include Boksburg, Boksburg North, Ramaphosa, Reiger Park and Dawn Park.
