Spokesperson for the department, Lebogang Majaha, says the focus was towards improving clinical capacity at health facilities to deliver quality care and effectively manage the COVID-19 epidemic.

In terms of human resource allocation, Namakwa received 52 personnel, ZF Mgcawu received 57, John Taolo Gaetsewe 43, Frances Baard 58, Pixley Ka Seme 57, and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital received 148 clinicians between December 2020 and January 2021, says Majaha.

The recruitment and retention of scarce skills and continuous training remain a priority in the department. The Northern Cape MEC of Health,  Maruping Lekwene, says they are committed to also give attention to appointments of non-clinical staff such as porters, clerks and cleaners in health facilities experiencing shortages. 

“The oversight visits to facilities has made me appreciate the demands and challenges that are a daily reality for those working in the public health sector, often under difficult circumstances. Our urgent task is to strengthen our district health with management capacity building and the appointment of permanent managers for health facilities and districts, so as to expedite service delivery to communities," says Lekwene.

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