Krugersdorp will soon see a new 100-bed hospital functioning in the Pinehaven area. But because it is built within the private sector, will only certain people benefit from it?
After the initial article was published on the News’ website, (click here to read) it became clear that although residents are happy about the addition of a private hospital, not everyone can afford a medical aid.
One such resident, Shemeries Pretorius from Krugersdorp argues that without a medical aid, you can pay a lot of money for private medical care.”The government should rather upgrade state hospitals and employ qualified staff.”
Only about 8,7 million South Africans, or 17 percent of the population, belong to a medical scheme, according to the latest Council for Medical Schemes annual report.
Fikile Oyekanmi, Senior Communication Officer at Leratong Hospital said Leratong is the only regional state hospital in the West Rand.
“Our services are accessed by people from as far as Carletonville, Roodepoort and Soweto,” she tells.
On average, Leratong services over 20 000 outpatients and admits about 4 000 a month.
“A great percentage of these are uninsured and solely depend on the state for health services,” Oyekanmi says.
She explains that it puts strain on both the human and material resources.
“Having another state hospital in the area would definitely bring much needed relief.”
Statistics South Africa’s 2013 general household survey in South Africa shows that nearly seven in every ten households reported that they went to public clinics and hospitals as their first point of access when households members fell ill or got injured. By comparison, a quarter (24,2 percent) of households indicated that they would go to private doctors.
According to Martina Nicholson, Netcare’s spokesperson, the hospital will provide a range of healthcare services including emergency medical care, maternity, pediatric, physician and orthopedic services.
“Doctors consulting rooms will also be on site,” she says.
According to Jacques du Plessis, Managing Director of Netcare’s Hospital Division, the most compelling rationale behind the development of the Netcare Pinehaven Hospital was the need to meet the growing demands of the rapidly expanding West Rand community.
“Netcare’s detailed demographic studies strongly supported the viability of a private hospital in the area. The hospital is in close vicinity to a number of retirement villages as well as multi-million rand estates. A huge contingent of first-time homeowners has also settled in the area,” Du Plessis explained.
The opening date for the Pinehaven Netacre Hospital has changed from August this year to September.
Related article:
• New private hospital for growing population
• Seerane’s council has big plans for city
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