• Gauteng hospitals expect triple the usual emergency calls during the December festive season.

• All 38 community health centres will stay open 24 hours with 400 emergency vehicles ready to respond.

Gauteng’s hospitals and clinics are ready to handle the rush of emergencies expected during the festive season, says health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.

“All the 38 community health centres operating 24 hours will remain open throughout the festive season so communities have access to medical care when needed,” she said.

The province has 400 emergency vehicles ready to respond, including ambulances, rescue vehicles and a disaster response bus. Each vehicle is equipped with medical supplies and equipment for quick response.

The province usually sees a significant increase in emergency calls during December. In the past three years, emergency services have received about 117,000 calls each December – nearly triple the usual monthly average of 39,000 calls.

“All our hospitals and clinics across the five health districts are well prepared for the challenges ahead,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

“We have introduced an innovative dashboard system to monitor staffing levels and pressure areas across all the hospitals.”

People planning to travel can visit travel clinics for health advice and vaccines. These clinics have professionals who can assist before and after trips, both local and international.

The MEC also warned people to be cautious during the holidays.

“Those who choose to consume alcohol should do so responsibly and know their limits. They should refrain from risky sexual behaviour as this may lead to infections like sexually transmitted infections and HIV,” she said.

Pictured above: Gauteng MEC of Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.

Source: Supplied