23 Mar 2021

With the number of COVID-19 patients increasing daily throughout the country, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has decided to convert Masunga Primary Hospital into a treatment centre.

Announcing the decision at the ongoing full council sitting on Monday, North East District Council (NEDC) chairperson, Ms Florah Mpetsane said it came about after the realisation that Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH), which is the only treatment centre in the country, was overwhelmed.

Ms Mpetsane said Masunga hospitals outpatient services would be relocated to a porta-cabin within the hospital yard, while admissions would be relocated to Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital. 

She said plans were underway to modify the infrastructure and install the equipment necessary for critical care settings.

She noted that the Matsiloje Isolation Centre had undergone maintenance to repair the plumbing system in the already occupied blocks.

The chairperson also noted that as at 16 March 2021, the centre, with a capacity of 308 beds, had 250 patients.  

She said plans were underway  to extend the capacity of the centre, adding that the goal was to make all the extra rooms ensuite since isolated patients were sharing outside ablutions.

Ms Mpetsane highlighted that since the budget for the envisaged renovations was P10.5 million, the Ministry of Health and Wellness had requested for re-scoping as the amount was above budget.

Meanwhile, she lamented the upward trend in the number of COVID-19 positive cases, both nationally and at the district level, saying the district had registered 1 417 cases and 21 deaths. She noted that Tatisiding was leading with 243 cases and six deaths. 

Ms Mpetsane said following the arrival of the first batch of vaccines, health personnel had been trained to administer the vaccine.

She said councillors would be briefed on how the plan would be rolled out.

She implored them to assist by sensitising their communities on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccination.    

On other issues, the chairperson stated that due to the effects of the pandemic, the North East District Revenue Support Grant (RSG) had been reduced. 

Ms Mpetsane thus called on the NEDC leadership to identify new sources of income, improve on revenue collection and expenditure. ENDS