Bundles of joy welcomed

The Department of Health revealed that more than 500 babies entered the world on Christmas Day last month, spreading joy and celebration across the nation. The Gauteng province led the way with a welcoming count of 194 babies born on this special day.

Netcare Alberton Hospital contributed to the festive statistics by joyfully delivering three baby boys on Christmas morning. The first newborn arrived at an early 04:10.

As the calendar turned to 2024, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, extended a warm welcome to 112 new arrivals in the new year. Between midnight and 09:30, 59 males and 53 females were born across Gauteng.

Ralehoko, in the company of postpartum mothers, celebrated the birth of the babies at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa on January 1.

Health department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba shared that the MEC presented the mothers with gift hampers and emphasized the importance of prompt registration at Department of Home Affairs offices.

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Ralehoko also highlighted the significance of following the Road to Health booklet and ensuring that infants receive free immunisations at public clinics.

Gauteng led the nation with almost 40% of all newborns delivered in its health facilities, including clinics, closely followed by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

The diverse range of health facilities witnessed the delivery of these bundles of joy, from regional and district hospitals with a combined birth count of 81 to community healthcare centers recording 49 births. Academic hospitals contributed to the celebratory wave, delivering 41 babies.

Netcare Alberton Hospital welcomed four babies on New Year’s Day. The quartet comprised two boys and two girls, with the firstborn, a baby boy, making his entrance into the world at 04:30.

• Source: Gauteng Health and MNA.

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