Hon Deputy Speaker, the African National Congress believes that health reform involves the mobilisation of available resources in both the private and public health sectors to ensure improved health outcomes for all South Africans. As a result, a total of 18 new mobile clinics were launched in Mpumalanga to provide health-care access to rural villages and farming areas that have no clinic facilities nearby.
The Member of the Executive Council, MEC, for the Department of Health and Social Development, Dikeledi Mahlangu, launched the mobile clinics at the Leroro Community Hall in Matibidi Township near Sabie on Friday, 02 July 2010. These mobile units will make a difference in the lives of many rural and farming communities who are underserved because of the shortage of mobile clinics. The allocation of these mobile clinics will mean that people living in remote areas will not have to travel long distances to access basic services. This initiative is part and parcel of the ANC-led government's resolve to reduce inequalities in our health system and improve quality, care and access to public health-care facilities for our people. Thank you.