JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday officially opened a new 220-bed hospital in Mpumalanga Province, reaffirming the government's commitment to expanding access to comprehensive healthcare.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new King Nyabela Hospital in Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province, Ramaphosa said comprehensive healthcare was about addressing the burden of disease across society and improving access to health services for people of all ages.
The King Nyabela Hospital in Middelburg will serve about 240,000 people in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. The district hospital provides surgical, medical, pediatric, antenatal, postnatal, neonatal and high-care wards, as well as accident and emergency services and three operating theaters.
Outpatient services include a pharmacy, tuberculosis and HIV management, dentistry, eye care, nutrition services, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and mental healthcare.
"Comprehensive health care is about prevention, early detection and management of all the health issues our people face," Ramaphosa said.
He said the government would continue strengthening public healthcare by refurbishing existing facilities, building new ones and expanding primary healthcare services.
Turning to the National Health Insurance, Ramaphosa said the program was aimed at realizing the constitutional right of access to healthcare, regardless of where people live or their ability to pay.
"The National Health Insurance ensures that all people can access the full range of quality health services they need, where and when they need them, without experiencing financial hardship," he said.
Ramaphosa also called for stronger governance in the healthcare sector and warned against corruption, fraud and waste in the procurement of health infrastructure, supplies and services.
The president said there could be no tolerance for corruption, fraud or waste in the procurement of health infrastructure, supplies or services, adding that stolen funds had been recovered and alleged perpetrators were being prosecuted.
Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance Act into law in May 2024 as part of efforts to address inequality in South Africa's healthcare system. ■