Eastern Cape Health MEC, Nomakhosazana Meth, has officially handed over the site for the long-awaited oncology unit project at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha to the appointed contractor.
The construction project will start next month (August) and is scheduled for completion in 2025.
The construction of the R416 million oncology unit means the end is near for patients from the eastern part of the Eastern Cape who must travel over 500 kilometres to East London to access life-saving cancer treatment.
“The establishment of this oncology unit will assist the targeted population in receiving better medical care as part of the aim to raise the standard of healthcare services given in public health facilities in the targeted area.”
“Through this oncology unit, which will be a state-of-the-art facility, government continues to bring services closer to where our people live,” said Meth.
The building for the oncology unit will be constructed in two storeys, with the basement for services.
According to Meth, the foundation has been designed to accommodate future expansion, which can support an additional two storeys, to make it four in total.
She further said that 250 people will be employed for the duration of the contract.
“We are calling on the people of OR Tambo and the Eastern Cape to protect properties that government builds for us. We must jealously guard against vandalism and theft of our facilities, and protect our hardworking and dedicated healthcare workers instead of robbing them,” said Meth.
Upon completion, the oncology unit will render services that include in-patient chemotherapy, radiotherapy, intra-cavitary brachytherapy, radioactive iodine, and paediatric oncology services.
“As the Mandela family, we wish the project well. I also want to plead with people to guard this project and ensure that it moves swiftly and be brought to completion not later than the completion date of May 2025,” said Chief Mandla Mandela who spoke on behalf of the Mandela family.
Mandela, in partnership with Africa Muslims Agency, donated over 300 000 masks to the NMAH on the day.
The Africa Muslims Agency also conducted 200 cataract surgeries at the NMAH, on July 18, as its 67 minutes of goodwill in celebration of the International Nelson Mandela Day.
