Health centres ease burden on hospitals
By Tabisa Mntengwana
14 October 2009
TWO community health centres in the Buffalo City help to ease the load on hospitals and clinics by offering various primary health care services.
Empilweni Gompo Community Health Centre in Buffalo Flats and Nontyatyambo Community Health Centre in Mdantsane have helped at least 80 000 people since they opened for business, treating everything from minor ailments to tuberculosis and diabetes.
Nontyatyambo has been operating since June 2008, while Empilweni has been around since 1997.
The centres were established to provide comprehensive primary health care, on a 24/7 basis, and even offer family planning.
According to a report from the Eastern Cape's department of health, the centres were built in previously disadvantaged areas to leave footprints and to make sure services were brought to the people.
Nontyatyambo and Empilweni also address epilepsy, hypertension, child immunisation and mental health. Other services offered include maternity, dental and psychological, with a doctor on call. They also have antiretroviral units and offer a comprehensive plan for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HIV and Aids, as well as support for people infected with HIV.
There are at least six nurses on duty every day at Nontyatyambo, and eight at Empilweni.
"These are better steps that have been taken by the province to enhance and better the health care services of both the City and the province," reads the report.
They help to cut congestion at public hospitals, such as Frere in East London and Cecilia Makhiwane in Mdantsane. "Clinics have also been less congested since these health centres were introduced by the provincial health office."
According to the provincial department of health's report, the centres' mission is to provide effective, efficient and integrated primary health care services for Eastern Cape citizens through a community orientated system.
Nosipho Gqola, a City health official, has urged residents to look after the health centres as it the community's responsibility to safeguard every government and municipal building.
Nontyatyambo Community Health Centre can be contacted on 043 761 6807 and Empilweni Community Health Centre can be contacted on 043 733 1289.
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