145 babies born on Christmas Day in Gauteng
"Good work to all the health workers who were on duty."
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated every year on December 25 by billions of people around the world.
When a child is born on the day it is taken as a blessing by many people. This past Christmas Day, about 145 babies were delivered in the province’s various healthcare facilities between 12 am and 11 am.
The majority of babies were born at Tembisa Hospital with 17 babies. A total of 16 babies were born at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital while Rahima Moosa Mother and Child had 14 babies born.
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Mamelodi Hospital and Hillbrow Community Healthcare Centre had eight and six babies born respectively.
The Gauteng MEC for Health, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa visited the newborns and their families at Kalafong Hospital and the Laudium Community Healthcare Centre and thanked all the health professionals who were on duty and all the people who were there to support the mothers.
She said some of the mothers were supported by the fathers and it shows that even at home they would receive the same support. She said health facilities are open 24 hours daily where there is always someone on duty to support and manage the health services.
“We want to thank all health workers who were currently on duty from clinics, hospitals, emergency services and also from head office,” said Ramokgopa.
She advised new mothers about the importance of breastfeeding saying it is vital that they breastfeed completely for at least six months.
She said the benefit of breastfeeding is that babies receive nutrition, bonding and are not likely to get diseases. She wished all the babies and their families a happy Christmas and a prosperous life ahead.
