This is according to the non-profit organisation, the Macah Foundation’s Professor André Venter, who told OFM News that plans to start this facility are underway as he and his partners have already applied for the licence to build the hospital. Venter, who is also the Academic Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of the Free State, says as a medical practitioner who has for the past seven years lobbied for improved health facilities to manage mothers, babies and children with complicated medical conditions, this may very well be a dream come true for him. The hospital will serve various functions, Venter adds.

Venter says this hospital will be a collaborative effort between the Macah Foundation as well as the Free State Department of Health and the University of the Free State. Meanwhile, the Free State Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, says he believes that a hospital of this kind is much-needed and doesn't anticipate that the licence application will be turned down as this initiative is driven by reputable organisations.

OFM News had also previously spoken to Venter about “Make the first 1000 days count” initiative, another ongoing campaign that is also a collaborative effort between the foundation as well as the University of the Free State. It is in line with their key strategic priorities for 2019 in highlighting the well-being of mothers and babies in Central South Africa. Venter explained that the first 1000 days of a child’s life are defined as the period from conception up to the second birthday. This period is recognised as a critical window of opportunity to secure the optimal development of children.

OFM News