Residents of Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, now have access to quality healthcare right at their door step.
This is after President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the National Health Insurance (NHI)-ready Lusikisiki Village Clinic.
The world-class clinic is fitted with units such as emergency services, dental care, optometry, a section for chronic patients, a 24-hour maternity ward, a chemist and a rehabilitation centre powered by medical professionals. 
The clinic also has a waiting room and rest rooms for the staff.
“The clinic is world-class and there is none like it in this district,” said the President.
President Ramaphosa, alongside Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, launched the clinic located in Ingquza Hill Municipality in the Eastern Cape ahead of the recent Khawuleza Service Delivery and Development Model launch.
One District one plan
Khawuleza is about adopting an approach to development that is more practical, achievable, implementable and measurable. Development will be pursued through a single, integrated plan per district that outlines the role of each sphere of government, called the #OneDistrictOnePlan.
Through the new district-based coordination model, all spheres of government, working alongside social partners, will synchronise plans to deliver services and address economic development challenges.
Prior to the launch, the President met and addressed the District Coordination Forum, which includes the Eastern Cape Premier, Ministers, Eastern Cape MECs, OR Tambo District Mayor and Mayors of the five Local Municipalities under OR Tambo District and stakeholders.
The launch of the clinic takes forward government’s commitment to ensure access to quality health care for all South Africans.
“Primary health care in rural areas is a primary goal for the National Health Insurance project. The NHI aims to provide world-class health care at hospitals and also clinics. The clinic in Lusikisiki already complies with the prescripts of the NHI,” said Minister Mkhize.
The Health Department has also put together a committee that will ensure the new facilities are maintained and always consistent.
In line with the district model’s aim to streamline service delivery and development, the Communications and Digital Technologies Department also provided connectivity to the new clinic.
Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams joined the President to showcase the broadband connectivity at the clinic, including digital applications.
The launch of Khawuleza in the Eastern Cape is the first pilot. The eThekwini Metro will serve as the second pilot, followed by Waterberg in Limpopo.
The OR Tambo pilot will serve as a learning curve on the roll-out of the district model from a rural perceptive, while the eThekwini launch will offer the urban perspective.
Waterberg will allow government to learn about the implementation of the model through the lense of a mining town.
Once implementation takes place, the district model forum coordinated by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma will monitor and evaluate the process.
The President mapped out how government would embark on, not only service delivery, but economic development of one of the poorest districts in the country.
The President explained that the district model will streamline services, ensuring that government has clear targets.
Projects that will be implemented in the OR Tambo District will see government spend R11 billion.
Addressing Challenges
At the launch, Minister Dlamini-Zuma addressed a few challenges faced by the district that will inform government’s plan for the district.
Among them, she listed a young population, high unemployment, poor infrastructure, backlogs in housing, water and roads.
However, Dlamini Zuma emphasised that government remains positive as the district, which currently contributes 0.85 percent to the GDP, boasts potential in the areas of agriculture, agro-processing, the oceans economy and tourism.
Best practice from the OR Tambo District will then be rolled out in other metros and districts nationwide. SAnews.gov.za
Email
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp