Following the institution’s recent acquisition of certification to offer comprehensive health care at its clinic, commonly known as the Student Health and Wellness Centre (SHWC), students and staff at the University of Limpopo (UL) will no longer look elsewhere for comprehensive primary health care services
The accreditation makes UL the country’s third institution of higher learning to be accredited to provide comprehensive primary health care services to target clients (students and staff). According to the assessment, a lengthy process conducted, which commenced a few years ago by the National Department of Health (NDOH) as a Health Rendering Facility for compliance, UL received 75% in clinical record keeping, 86% in data capturing, and 81% in the overall score. The assessment was carried out following Section 56 (6) of the Nursing Act of 2005.
Since its inception in 1962, the clinic has played a pivotal role for students and staff; however, before accreditation, the institution relied on private or external medical doctors to treat some of its patients.
In his delivery of congratulatory remarks to the institution, Prof. Dr. Ahluwali Ramneek, Chief Executive Officer for Higher Health, said the accreditation was a major milestone because offering Comprehensive Primary Health Care Services is like having a hospital. “The accreditation means that the University of Limpopo has met all the standard requirements regarding health care services, and I believe that everyone will help in maintaining this accreditation for future generations.” He added that the milestone was not going to be possible without the astute university leadership who provided commendable support throughout the accreditation journey.
According to Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UL, the clinic’s accreditation is exciting news because it will allow students and staff to receive medical care without having to leave campus. “The clinic started so small, but here we are today, being accredited to be a fully-fledged clinic so that our students and staff members can be treated on-site to allow their academic programmes to run smoothly and without interruptions.”
Speaking on behalf of the Limpopo Department of Health (LDOH), Motlatso Letshokgohla of the Capricorn District expressed hope that the accreditation would be maintained because the university is outstanding in its commitment to health matters. “The institution has been complying with whatever task was given to them in terms of health matters. The 2009 HIV inspection serves as an example because the institution excelled during that inspection.”
Among the services provided by the centre include Comprehensive and Diverse Primary Health Care Services; HIV, STI, TB, and Covid-19 prevention and screening; health promotion project; pharmaceutical services; psycho-social services; and Emergency Medical Services.
The clinic’s journey to this status has included a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2015 with the LDOH, making it one of the first institutions in the country to have such an MoU in place to render a few specific medical services offered independently, as well as recognition of its capacity to provide ARVs to staff and students.
The clinic currently has eight highly trained professional nurses, a pharmacist, and a Social Worker to assist students in overcoming some of life’s social challenges, as well as a General Practitioner who consults on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
By Johannes Selepe