WSU JOINS FORCES WITH PROVINCIAL HEALTH DEPT AND SAMHS TO ADVANCE RURAL HEALTHCARE

With the broad intention of advancing access to healthcare in the rural communities within the province, Walter Sisulu University, together with the Eastern Cape Department of Health, held an engagement with the South African Military Health Services (SAMHS).

Chaired by the Director Deputy General in the Eastern Cape Department of Health Clinical Services, Dr Mtandeki Xamlashe, the engagement took place earlier in July at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

“We intend on strengthening the collaboration between the three organisations, as we seek to bridge the healthcare disparity gap in rural communities,” said Xamlashe.

He added that they had also explored areas of interest in both academic and mentoring of young doctors by getting those doctors into the healthcare system, alluding to the cohorts from Cuba that the SA Military is ready to deploy to rural areas.

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Executive Dean, Professor Wezile Chitha said the university was ready to partner with SAMHS and further engage with them.

“We are ready to explore both what currently exists and any initiatives that we can develop further to advance our mutual interests,” said Chitha.

Chitha also identified nursing as one of the key focus areas that will form part of the discussions between the organisations.

He described nursing as the backbone of the healthcare system, although not much investment and funding goes into it. He said they will be looking into speciality nursing programmes.

Speaking about this potential collaboration, Surgeon General of the South African National Defence Force, Lieutenant General (Dr) Peter Maphaha, said it was crucial for their survival as their footprint is quite thin.

“In areas where we are not able to reach our people, we rely on the national healthcare system. That makes us interrelated. We need you as much as you need us. By working together, we will be able to further extend our reach in providing the civilians with the necessary healthcare services,” said Maphaha.

With key agreements already in place, the final step in the activation is the drafting of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that is being looked after by the EC Health MEC, Head of Department of Health and the Executive Dean.

By Thandeka Mgqibi