The DA, a solid partner in KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), welcomes the announcement that Vryheid Hospital will be upgraded to a fully-fledged regional hospital – the first of its kind in the Zululand District.
During last year’s festive season preparedness oversight inspections, conducted by members of KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Health portfolio committee, we witnessed first-hand the challenges faced in the district due to the absence of a comprehensive package of services, such as those offered by regional hospitals.
The situation had already had a severe knock-on effect on Madadeni Hospital and, more concerningly, it had also resulted in the long-distance transfers of patients to Ngwelezane Hospital in Empangeni - a direct consequence of district hospitals being unable to offer the same level of care as regional facilities.
The upgrade to Vryheid Hospital will improve referral pathways for both Benedictine Hospital in Nongoma and Itshelejuba Hospital in Phongola, while ensuring that patients requiring regional-level care no longer need to be transferred to other districts.
Overall, it will also see an improvement in healthcare delivery and services in the long term.
The DA looks forward to engaging with KZN Public Works MEC, the DA’s Martin Meyer, throughout the duration of this important project to ensure that construction is completed on time and within the allocated budget.
The people of Vryheid and surrounding areas deserve quality healthcare. We remain committed to the ideal of an ethical, caring and competent state at every level.
Dr Imran Keeka | MPL DA KZN Spokesperson on Health