Latest news with #NomaguguSimelane
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Men urged to seek medical health timeously
KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has sent out a heartfelt plea to all men to embrace a culture of disease prevention. 'Men must know their health status and seek medical help when they are sick; that is not a sign of weakness,' she said. Speaking on the Department of Health's (DoH) KZN Health Chat multimedia programme in Durban recently, Simelane explained that the DoH was going all out this month and beyond, to meet men where they are and bring them closer to health services that they often shy away from. ALSO READ: Teen moms avoid healthcare amid fears of reporting rape, discloses KZN health MEC 'We are encouraging men to change their mindset and realise that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. We are urging them to come closer to clinics, community health centres and hospitals. 'It's important for men to get tested and know where they stand as far their health is concerned. 'It is a known fact that men generally don't like to visit health facilities. Women do, as do girls. You can see that they grow up knowing it's normal to seek help. But when it comes to men and even boys, you can see they don't want to come through. 'This makes it difficult for us to deal with various ailments that affect them,' said Simelane. The MEC added that this reluctance to seek help has devastating consequences, and that many men end up dying from illnesses that could have been treated if they had sought treatment earlier. She said she was incredibly concerned that it is not uncommon for men to suffer from severe headaches due to high blood pressure or a hypertensive crisis, and not seek help until it leads to something as serious as a stroke. 'The department has rolled out 129 men-friendly clinics throughout KZN, which is regarded as a major step forward. This is a good achievement when you consider we didn't have any two years ago. 'These clinics don't only deal with issues such as erectile dysfunction, they address men's health needs holistically, including ailments such as high blood pressure, diabetes, mental health, HIV, TB, cancer screening, and much more,' she said. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
06-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
R59 million upgrade at RK Khan Hospital: a step towards modern healthcare
Nomagugu Simelane, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, during an oversight visit at RK Khan Hospital Image: Supplied DESPITE delays and a missed completion deadline, a R59 million renovation at RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth is almost complete. The 56-year-old hospital underwent waterproofing and internal renovations to Blocks D and E, and the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD). In a statement, Nomagugu Simelane, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, said she was satisfied with the progress made, which was over 400 days past the completion deadline. Simelane was joined by acting head of department Penny Msimango, and members from the health infrastructure unit at an oversight visit at the hospital on Wednesday. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ She said the state-of-the-art renovations were aimed at modernising the facility and integrating new medical technology and infrastructure. 'This includes the waterproofing of roof slabs, the complete redesign of Wards D and E according to Infrastructure Unit Support System (IUSS) guidelines. The state-of-the-art renovations were aimed at modernising the facility and integrating new medical technology and infrastructure. Image: Supplied 'The project also involves the removal of existing fittings, fixtures, and outdated electrical, mechanical, and extraction systems, as well as raising all internal partitions in the bed wards to a height of 2.1 metres. 'The redesigned CSSD will now fully comply with IUSS accommodation design standards. These renovations are set to bring the 56-year-old hospital in line with modern medical infrastructure standards,' Simelane added. Cyril Pillay, former chairperson of the RK Khan Hospital board, said he commended the KZN Department of Health for the substantial progress made in upgrading the hospital. 'As a servant of the community and a firm believer in the dignity and value of every human life, I welcome the R59 million investment in modernising this vital healthcare facility. 'These renovations and updated infrastructure represent more than just construction. They are a testament to our government's commitment to providing our people with safe, clean, and efficient healthcare environments. 'The hospital has served our communities for over five decades. Many families in eThekwini and surrounding areas have turned to it in times of need. This new infrastructure will bring healing, dignity, improve staff morale, and create an environment that supports cutting-edge medical care,' he added. He said while delays were acknowledged, the oversight visit by the MEC was welcomed. 'We appreciate the oversight visit and accountability shown by MEC Simelane and the infrastructure team. Let us continue to pray for wisdom, excellence, and compassion to guide those entrusted with our healthcare. As a community, we celebrate this milestone together, because a healthier province is a stronger province." Dr Imran Keeka, spokesperson on health for the Democratic Alliance, said: 'We note that the upgrade project is finally reaching conclusion despite being some 400 days over its original scheduled conclusion date of November 2023. The upgrades are finally reaching an end and this is commendable. The project delays have caused immense inconvenience to patients, staff and management of the facility. 'The nearby Clairwood Hospital has also had to step in and foster patients, with patients transferred there for admission on a daily basis, using vital Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) resources. 'The knock-on effect is that instead of local ambulances being available for emergencies, they were busy ferrying patients from one hospital to another,' he added. Keeka said the situation had also led to doctors having to do ward rounds to see patients at two different hospitals and where specialised services were only at RK Khan Hospital, patients were brought to and from the facility on multiple occasions.
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Final touches: RK Khan Hospital renovations nearing completion
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, acting department Head Penny Msimango, the health infrastructure unit, and the contractor recently conducted a Siyahlola oversight visit at RK Khan Hospital. Image: KZN Department of Health Renovations at RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth are 99% completed. This was revealed during a recent oversight visit to the facility by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. Modernisation efforts will align the 56-year-old hospital with current medical infrastructure requirements. KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, acting department Head Penny Msimango, the health infrastructure unit, and the contractor conducted a Siyahlola oversight visit at the hospital. According to the department, the hospital is undergoing a R59 million re-waterproofing and internal renovations at Blocks D and E, and the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD). The state-of-the-art renovations aimed at modernising the facility and integrating new medical technology and infrastructure include not only the waterproofing of roof slabs, but also the complete redesign of wards D and E following Infrastructure Unit Support System (IUSS) guidelines. The project also involves the removal of existing fittings, fixtures, and outdated electrical, mechanical, and extraction systems, and raising all internal partitions in the bed wards to a height of 2.1 metres. The redesigned CSSD will now fully follow IUSS accommodation design standards. Simelane expressed satisfaction with the progress, although there were concerns about delays and the missed completion deadline. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane (green and white outfit), acting department Head Penny Msimango, the health infrastructure unit, and the contractor recently conducted a Siyahlola oversight visit at RK Khan Hospital. Image: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health Meanwhile, last month, KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer inspected the hospital. During a briefing session, it emerged that what seemed like a roof repair undertaking that was meant to last five months ended up being an extended project as assessments showed that the walls and other structural aspects were severely compromised.
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Teen moms avoid healthcare amid fears of reporting rape, discloses KZN health MEC
The health of teen moms and their babies hangs in the balance as young rape victims are too scared to access formal healthcare when giving birth. This was revealed by KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, who said this is owing to the laws compelling those in authority to report the rape. ALSO READ: KZN Health MEC places cervical cancer prevention in spotlight Speaking at a meeting of the Provincial Council on Aids in Durban last Thursday, Simelane expressed her deep concern over the growing number of teenage and child pregnancies, particularly those involving adult men. 'This issue is both a health crisis and a social justice emergency that requires urgent intervention,' she said. 'This puts young girls at high risk, especially when they are forced to give birth in unsafe conditions. South African law defines statutory rape as any sexual activity with a person under the age of 16, and makes the reporting of such cases to law enforcement mandatory.' Simelane believes that an urgent and collaborative dialogue involving parents, traditional leaders, civil society and the government is needed to decisively address this disturbing pattern. 'I want to make a proposal that we lead from the front in combatting this crisis. We need to come together and deal with this matter head on because these activities are happening right where we are. Children get pregnant in our societies in our communities. 'Unless we talk about it and act decisively, we will continue to see young lives destroyed. We are raising a broken generation if we remain silent.' Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
30-05-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
KZN health MEC Simelane calls for urgent action against older men impregnating girls
KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has issued an urgent call for an open and collaborative national dialogue to tackle the disturbing rise in child and teenage pregnancies, particularly those involving adult men. Speaking at a meeting of the provincial council on Aids held in Durban, Simelane expressed deep concern about recent statistics showing thousands of teenage and child pregnancies in eThekwini municipality, including girls as young as 10. 'We are extremely worried about the high number of children who are falling pregnant,' said Simelane. Her comments came in response to data shared during the Teenage Pregnancy Indaba hosted by the eThekwini municipality at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The municipality revealed 7,627 cases of teenage pregnancy between April 2024 and April 2025. Even more alarming is that 154 of the pregnancies involved girls aged between 10 and 14.
