GQEBERHA – A new R625 million military hospital has opened in Forest Hill, Gqeberha, with the 30-bed facility expected to serve thousands of beneficiaries across the Eastern Cape.

The Military Base Hospital Gqeberha was officially opened by Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga on Thursday, 13 August.

According to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the hospital will serve approximately 9,000 beneficiaries in Gqeberha, Makhanda, Mthatha and surrounding areas, bringing medical services closer to SANDF members, their dependants and military veterans.

The facility will provide 24-hour healthcare, including primary healthcare, emergency and urgent care, surgery, diagnostic services, dental and oral healthcare, pharmacy, paediatric care and rehabilitation. It also provides inpatient and intensive care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dietetics.

The hospital is equipped with modern infrastructure and diagnostic technology, including modern diagnostic radiology and a fully equipped surgical theatre.

The facility is expected to reduce the distance beneficiaries have to travel for medical treatment, support faster recovery and contribute to maintaining the operational readiness of the SANDF.

Motshekga said the opening marked an important milestone in strengthening the healthcare capability of the SANDF and reaffirmed government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the military community.

She also highlighted the role of healthcare workers at the facility. “Buildings do not heal people. People do,” Motshekga said. The minister acknowledged the contribution of stakeholders whose collaboration and support helped make the hospital possible.

Following the official opening, Motshekga, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe and other delegates conducted a walkabout through the facility

The delegation viewed the hospital’s infrastructure, medical equipment and healthcare services.
The new facility is intended to ensure that Military Health Services remain fit for purpose while meeting the healthcare needs of SANDF members, their dependants and military veterans across the region.

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