Health is a priority

THE opening of the new renal care unit in Queenstown yesterday is indeed reason to celebrate.

The unit, which gives people with kidney function impairment a chance at a better quality of life, is a major and important addition to the health facility bouquet on offer in the area.

Construction continues at Frontier Hospital where, over the past few years, the facility has bloomed into a modern and fully-equipped hospital catering for people from across the region. The Sabona eye clinic and a vastly-improved maternity unit are but some of the hospital’s sections which are giving more people access to health facilities capable of changing lives for the better.

The investment in health services has been ongoing in the area and, in addition, Queenstown also boasts the Life Healthcare Private Hospital, CareCure Hospital and Komani Hospital, the latter which focuses on mental health and well-being.

Yet, the battle is far from won. The Rep reporter Tembile Sgqolana this week tells of Lady Frere husband and father Thabiso Qebe who is unable to support his family due to sores on his legs which limit his movements. Qebe has suffered for the past 28 years with little or no advancement in his treatment, despite visits to various hospitals.

Last year, The Rep told the story of Lisakhanya Kanyo, 8, also of Lady Frere, who is in pain from a huge growth under her arm. When we last checked, there had been no change in her condition and the family continues to await someone to help this child who is suffering greatly.

While there are people like Thabiso and Lisakhanya, mostly from rural areas, who cannot find the help they so desperately need, the struggle to ensure accessible facilities must continue.