Mankweng Hospital records seventh open heart surgery case

Medical experts at Mankweng Hospital have proven yet again that public health facilities are capable to carry out complex medical procedures following two more successful open heart surgical procedures reportedly performed at the institution last Thursday.
It was learnt that the last two procedures brought the number of similar cases done at the hospital since the historic first case done on 18 April this year to seven. Information shared by the Department of Health highlighted that this was contrary negative comment suggesting that the first case would also be the last one and was done for electioneering purposes. A statement posted on a departmental social media page reiterated that they viewed these comments as an insult to a team of dedicated health professionals who work on a daily to try to improve the public health services in order to save lives of people who are solely dependent on public health facilities.
Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba reportedly reassured the people of Limpopo that under the caring government the department would never regress but continue to improve its services. She stated that cardiothoracic services and many other specialised services will continue to be rendered in the province. “We will continue to recruit and retain our medical specialists. The department will continue to buy high technology equipment,” Ramathuba was quoted to have said and concluded by thanking Mankweng Hospital medical team for continuing to raise the bar high.
Mankweng Hospital acting Head of Clinical Care Services, Seshoka Muila wrote on his social media page that they were told that the establishment of cardiothoracic services at a rural hospital was a mere campaigning strategy for the elections. He added that they can gladly confirm that a week later (post elections), the system is becoming smoother and conducive to do even more operations of this nature. Two open heart surgery cases were done today – he was referring to last Thursday.
“Just like wine, it becomes smoother and nicer with time. The old mandate we were given by the MEC remains the driving force behind the hard work we put in as a team of Mankweng and the Limpopo Department of Health at large. Go out there and do all that is necessary to restore public health. The same political head has made us aware of the biggest lesson that we need to draw out of the work we are doing at Mankweng,” Muila explained.
He went on to quote Ramathuba as having said “there will never be a perfect time to start, you will never meet the 100% criteria to establish anything. Just start and all will fall into place along the way.”
In a quest to get more information on the two cases and an update on the previous ones, Muila was on Tuesday contacted for comment but his cell phone was on voicemail while departmental spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana’s cell phone rung unanswered.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za