FINETOWN residents and surrounding communities in Joburg finally have a clinic.
The newly built clinic remained closed since its completion in 2020.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, officially opened the clinic for public usage on Thursday, 6 July.
This after the clinic they were utilising was petrol bombed in 2010 by the local community, who demanded a permanent structure.
Residents of Finetown, Ennerdale, Lenasia South, Meriting, Phumlamqashi, Majazana and Mountain View will once again be able to access healthcare services at their doorstep with the opening of Finetown Clinic.
During the launch, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko encouraged residents to take care of the new clinic.
“Let us be vigilant in preventing any acts of vandalism or destruction. We must educate one another about the importance of this facility and instil a sense of pride in its existence. Together, we can create a culture of care and responsibility to deter harm from befalling this clinic," she said.
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The MEC added that community members would no longer have to travel long distances to get healthcare services, and the clinic will also lessen the patient load on nearby facilities such as Lenasia South District Hospital, Ennerdale Ext 8 and 9 clinics, Stretford Community Health Centre, and Mountain View clinic.
A resident, Lebohang Makena, who has stayed in the area for over twenty years, said she is pleased that the clinic is finally operational.
“This will save us money as we had to travel to other facilities. It will also increase the uptake of health services as the clinic is in the community," Lebohang said.
Another resident, Gogo Mary Ngubane (61), said happy as they had to travel far to get chronic medication.
“I so wish that our communities can use other means to express their frustrations than to destroy public property,” she said.
The clinic will operate from 7 am – 4 pm, Monday to Friday, and close on weekends and public holidays.
