Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) on Sunday announced that it has issued 38 742 assistive devices between April and September 2023 to enable individuals living with disabilities to overcome limitations and to empower them to actively participate in society.
The GDoH said the range of assistive devices provided includes wheelchairs, hearing aids, orthoses, prostheses, and walking aids.
“These devices have had a great impact on the lives of thousands of people living with various disabilities, such as physical, psychosocial, intellectual, neurological, and sensory impairments,” the department explained.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, highlighted the commitment of the GDoH to equipping people living with disabilities with the necessary tools to maintain or improve their functioning and independence.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised that these assistive devices have not only facilitated their equal participation in society but have also enhanced their overall well-being.
In line with this commitment, the GDoH said it has ensured that individuals who have lost body parts, such as hands, arms, feet, legs, or breasts, are provided with prosthetic devices.
The GDo said 376 prostheses have been issued between April and September 2023, enabling beneficiaries to pursue their goals and engage in daily activities without limitations.
“To aid patients in recovering from trauma or congenital disorders affecting their bodies, 13 461 orthoses have been issued as of September 2023 for the current 2023/2024 financial year,” the GDoH said.
“These orthotic devices include spinal braces, splints, trusses, neck braces or collars, arm and knee guards, arm slings, moon boots, moulded footwear, and surgical shoes.”
Prostheses and orthoses are provided at four Prosthetic and Orthotic Centres in the province, namely Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, and Tambo Memorial Hospital.
Additionally, various Physiotherapy Departments at hospitals, including Carletonville, Dr. Yusuf Dadoo, Edenvale, Far East Rand, Jubilee, Kalafong, Leratong, Mamelodi, Odi, Pholosong, Pretoria West, Sebokeng, Tshwane District, and Tshwane Rehabilitation Hospitals, are issuing off-the-shelf orthoses.
The GDoH goes beyond providing assistive devices and offers additional services for people living with disabilities across its facilities.
These services include Vocational Rehabilitation, where 135 vocational assessments, including functional capacity evaluations and Permanent Incapacity and Ill-health Retirement (PILIR), were conducted between April and September 2023.
“Furthermore, the department runs a Cochlear Implant programme, where 13 cochlear implants were completed during the same period,” the GDoH.
“This programme has significantly improved the lives of adults and children who previously experienced hearing loss.”
The GDoH said it has joined the country in observing National Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 November, which focuses on the advancement of the rights of persons living with disabilities.
The provision of assistive devices and comprehensive services demonstrates the department’s commitment to empowering the disabled community and ensuring that they were fully integrated with every aspect of society throughout the province.
