Question NW2526 to the Minister of Health
22 September 2023 - NW2526
Zungula, Mr V to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether his department intends building a clinic at Smith’s Mine outside Barkly West (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) relevant details and (b) time frames; (2) whether his department has recorded the number of communities that are still without any healthcare facilities 30 years into democracy in the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to the Northern Cape Provincial Department of Health, the Frank Smith Diamond Mine is situated 65 km northwest of Kimberley on the farm Frank Smith No HV37, in Dikgatlong Local Municipality (Barkly West area). The population for Smith’s Mine is approximately ±200-300 residents.
These residents are serviced by a mobile clinic from Dikgatlong.
Due to the population size the area will continue to be serviced by a mobile clinic as it does not qualify for a fixed health facility.
The department is engaging on infrastructure improvement on a continuous basis, however not all areas will get a fixed facility for now but will be continuously serviced by the mobile unit. It should be noted that services rendered at mobile unit are same services rendered at fixed clinics.
END.