Johannesburg – On the first day of the New Year, Gauteng’s public healthcare facilities welcomed a total of 203 newborns — 105 boys and 98 girls — from midnight to noon.
The MEC for Gauteng Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, visited Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto to meet the babies born on this special day.
During her visit, the MEC distributed gift packages with essential items for the new mothers and their babies.
According to health department statistics, academic hospitals recorded 31 of the births, with Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital leading with 20, followed by Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, each with four births.
A total of 12 babies were born in tertiary hospitals.
Six deliveries each were reported from Tembisa Hospital and Kalafong Hospital.
The department continues to stress the importance for all mothers to register their newborns’ births with the Department of Home Affairs, which has facilities located within health institutions across the province.
Mothers are also encouraged to prioritize immunization and exclusive breastfeeding to ensure their infants’ healthy growth and development.
“As we welcome the start of a new life, it is essential to highlight the vital role of immunization and exclusive breastfeeding in safeguarding infants’ health,” remarked MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
“It is crucial for parents to make vaccination a priority to protect their children from preventable diseases.
“Additionally, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is crucial as it delivers necessary nutrients and strengthens their immune systems.”
Furthermore, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko unveiled a newly expanded and upgraded 12-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), equipped with state-of-the-art technology to provide high-quality care for newborns needing specialized services.
This NICU project is part of the department’s infrastructure initiative aimed at upgrading all neonatal units to reduce overcrowding and lower the risk of cross-infection.
*All images courtesy of Gauteng Health
