Page 192 - Demo

Estimates of the Provincial Revenue and Expenditure (EPRE) %u2013 2025/26 Financial Yearhighlighting progress in reducing early pregnancies. The Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) uptake target of 500 was notably exceeded by 1 052 with an output of 1 552 due to in-service training and the integration of the IUCD indicator into the Operation Phuthuma tool, enhancing monitoring capabilities. Non-Communicable Diseases A total of 695 997 individuals aged 18-44 and 329 892 aged 45 and older were screened for hypertension, well exceeding targets of 219 431 and 124 668 respectively, with numerous individuals identified, referred, and initiated on treatment. Similarly, diabetes screenings reached 675 182 in the younger cohort and 469 066 in the older population, ensuring timely medical interventions. Additionally, cataract surgery outcomes surpassed expectations (752/1 000 000 against a target of 350/1 000 000), driven by successful surgical marathons in leading hospitals. Vision care services were also enhanced, with 1 526 spectacles distributed and 200 patients enrolled in Long-Term Domiciliary Oxygen Therapy. Digitalisation and E-Health The e-Health project saw the successful upgrade of Local Area Network (LAN) infrastructure at 50 healthcare facilities, with phase 1 of the HMS%u00b2 system deployed across 39 hospitals, 3 EMS centres, and 2 CHCs, alongside 4 PHC sites. Additionally, six major hospitals, including Butterworth, Dora Nginza, and Frere Hospital, received phase 2 of the HMS%u00b2 system. Over 7 000 healthcare workers have been trained on the system to date. Mental health The department improved access by providing mental health in all 734 clinics and 43 Community Health Centres in the province. Community-Based Mental Health Service: Ward Based Outreach Teams can screen communities for early identification and linkage to care for mental health-related challenges under the supervision of outreach team leaders, thus referring to the upper levels of care. School health services screen children for psychological-related problems and refer them to psychologists and social workers where appropriate. The workforce has been increased in the form of 23 Registered Counsellors, thus covering all districts. The Registered Counsellors in the current financial year until the end of December 2024 have seen a total of 4 236 new clients, 1759 followup clients and made contact with a total of 3858 on public education. Outreach services to communities: The department intensifies community engagements during international mental health awareness days like Mental Illness Day and Mental Health Day. Health professionals like psychologists and registered counsellors conduct talks on the radio or visit gatherings to communicate mental health education to promote mental health literacy and reduce stigma. Rights of Mental Health Care Users: The Department has appointed Mental Health Review Boards to promote and protect the rights of mental health users. For this purpose, the department has clustered the eight districts into 4 clusters. 72-hour mental health observation units: The department has listed and gazetted a total of 56 hospitals to manage clients requiring 72-hour observation. The majority of these hospitals are not compliant in terms of physical infrastructure as a result they are using bugler iron bars to provide safety for users and staff. In addition, the department has identified 28 facilities to improve their 72-hour assessment facilities. Feasibility studies are currently being conducted by a contracted service provider for compliance with required standards. Education and training have taken place wherein amongst other training materials they have been provided with guidelines for 72-hour assessments, seclusion, and treatment guidelines for clinical management of mental health disorders. 171