Despite the challenges, the ANC-run province of Gauteng continues to be the leader in primary health care. It has the highest number of clinics - 75%, to be specific - that meet the highest national core standards on ideal clinics. [Interjections.] These clinics are clean, opened on time, and well run. They have reduced waiting times and have high rates of medicine availability. [Interjections.] This is crucial in preparation for the introduction of national health insurance.
To date, the Gauteng public health system has served 20 million health care users, per annum, compared to 7 million, in 1994. The built environment of the province has changed profoundly as a result of the scale of investment in the socioeconomic infrastructure and hospitals. It is encouraging that Gauteng has managed to build seven new hospitals and 40 new clinics and community health centres.
According to the Premier, access to basic services is much higher than it was in 1994. To date, formal dwelling is at 81%; piped water, 91%; electricity, 92%; sanitation, 91%; and refuse removal, 83%. This is a great achievement, compared to what it was in 1994.
Gauteng's infrastructure development programme has managed to provide basic social services, such as 1,2 million government- subsidised houses; 335 new schools; and upgrading water and sanitation infrastructure. It is also encouraging to note that formal dwelling has increased.
Due to in-migration and urbanisation, the size of public education has almost doubled. In 1994, Gauteng had 1,2 million learners. In 2018, it had about 2,3 million. Gauteng has immensely improved the performance of township schools and is ranked among the top two performers in Grade 12, as a result.
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