Department welcomes new cohort of health professionals

Kanego Lewele

Limpopo Health MEC, Mme Dieketseng Mashego, has officially welcomed at least 600 health professionals currently undertaking community service and internships in the department during a ceremony recently held at Bolivia Lodge, Polokwane.

According to Limpopo Department of Health's coordinator for internship and community service programme (ICSP) Dr Musa Sono, internship training and community service are statutory obligations for health professionals to undertake at health facilities in South Africa.
"The cohort consists of professionals from various disciplines, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other allied healthcare professionals, and are placed in various healthcare facilities across Limpopo Province to strengthen service delivery," says Dr Sono.

When welcoming the new recruits, MEC Mashego emphasized the importance of professionalism and ethical conduct in delivering healthcare services.
"You are here to serve our people with compassion, love, and the respect they deserve. These patients are not just individuals; they are our fathers, mothers, siblings, children, and grandchildren," she said.

She further assured the attendees that one of her top priorities is to ensure that all healthcare facilities are adequately equipped with essential medical resources and personnel to provide quality healthcare services.
"I remain hopeful that we will not receive any reports of negative attitudes towards patients from any of you present here today," she added.