Hogan opens R68m hospital
2008-10-18 08:05
Johannesburg - One of the so-called "treason trialists" Professor Zakharia Keorapetse Mathews was honoured on Friday, when Health Minister Barbara Hogan opened a new hospital named after him in Barkly West.
"As most of us here would know, this facility was formerly known as Barkley West Hospital and as we unveil it today, we are also unveiling its new name... Prof ZK Mathews District Hospital," Hogan said.
She said naming the hospital after the struggle stalwart was in line with his "quest for justice".
"We remain committed to our vision of improving access to affordable and good quality health care to all citizens of our country, including the Northern Cape," she said.
Built at a cost of R68m, including equipment, the hospital has a capacity of 45 beds and will be receiving patients from five clinics and two mobile clinics in the area.
"It should be noted that the architectural designs for our new hospitals incorporate issues of efficiency gains, the dignity of the patient and cost effectiveness of the building in terms of maintenance," Hogan said.
"Gone are the days of long corridors and 30-60 bedded wards."
Hogan said fewer beds were crucial in limiting chances of co-patient infection, "a factor that in our view is exacerbated by large numbers of patient beds".
"As Minister of Health and indeed as government, the opening of any public health facility anywhere in our country can only tell one story, and that is a story of a government committed to improving the quality of life of our people," she said.
Mathews, a prominent academic who lectured at the University of Fort Hare, was born in Kimberly and his path later crossed that of struggle leader Inkosi Albert Luthuli when the two taught at the Adams College in Natal.
- SAPA