Described as a first of its kind in Africa, the Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) has officially launched its state-of-the-art Diabetes Centre on Monday, November 15.
The objective of the new centre is to promote a culture of excellence in Diabetes-related primary healthcare in the Western Cape. According to Professor Joel Dave, Head of the Department of Endocrinology at GSH, diabetes was the second most common cause of mortality in South Africa, just behind tuberculosis.
“The vulnerability of PLWD to infectious diseases has been highlighted during the recent COVID-19 pandemic with diabetes being a significant risk factor for hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.
“Data from the Western Cape shows that 43% of all those with COVID-19 requiring admission to hospital were PLWD and 23% of all deaths from COVID-19 were PLWD,” Dave explained.
Provincial Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, said that she is encouraged by the establishment of the Diabetes Centre as it shows that the Western Cape is on the right track in the fight against diabetes.
” Having worked as a nurse in the public healthcare system, I have seen firsthand how PLWD struggle with their illness. It also places enormous pressure on our healthcare system, however, we must do more in providing affordable and uninterrupted access to diabetes care for everyone, “Mbombo indicated.
Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde who is a Type 2 Diabetic himself said further that the pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the province’s ability to render primary healthcare services to patients who suffer from illnesses including Diabetes.
“We must begin to get our healthcare platform back on track as we recover and move forward. I know how important the launch of this centre today is,” Winde reiterated
Also read:
Robotic surgeon launched at Groote Schuur Hospital – ” Da Vinci X-i”
Picture: Cape {town} etc gallery
