The Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Ntandokazi Capa, officially handed over two critical health infrastructure project sites to contractors at a ceremony held at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane. The handover marks the start of significant upgrade and refurbishment projects at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital and Nkqubela TB Hospital, aimed at strengthening infrastructure and improving healthcare services for the people of Buffalo City and surrounding areas.

The Cecilia Makiwane Hospital project involves two phases, including the transformation of the old Outpatient Department building into a Cerebral Palsy Centre of Excellence and the reclassification of Block H that was once used to increase bed capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic, into a fully functional Ophthalmology Department. The new block will include two specialised eye theatres, 50 beds, an eye pharmacy, outpatient consulting rooms, and support areas.

At Nkqubela TB Hospital, a comprehensive refurbishment project will replace storm-damaged asbestos roofing with durable coated steel roofing, carried out in six phases to ensure uninterrupted care for patients. The project will also repair ceilings, flooring, and external walkways. It will ensure patient safety and compliance with the Asbestos Abatement Regulations of 2020.

These projects will provide employment for 120 people, prioritising local labour and SMMEs, as well as contributing to local economic growth.

MEC Capa said, "We are strengthening the resilience of our hospitals, improving the quality of care for our patients, and creating opportunities for our communities through jobs and skills development."