Minister Nzimande happy with Edendale Hospital vaccination preparations

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PIETERMARITZBURG - The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, visited the Edendale Hospital, which is amongst the leading hospitals in KwaZulu Natal to administer COVID 19 vaccination.

Edendale is the fourth biggest hospital in the country and it is designated as a regional hospital which offers district tertiary services with a total of 900 beds.

Minister Nzimande’s visit is part of Cabinet’s decision for in the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Vaccines to visit and to monitoring preparations of hospitals, clinics and other vaccine distribution centres to ensure efficiencies in vaccine warehousing, distribution and deliveries.

Part of the monitoring measures include whether the identified facilities have adequate storage and whether they also have established stringent security measures to safeguard the vaccines.

Minister Nzimande was briefed by the Edendale Hospital management, followed by a tour to the hospital facilities prepared for COVID-19 rapid response.

Minister Nzimande is satisfied with the level of preparedness by the hospital and congratulated the hospital management and the provincial government for a job-well done.

In addition, Minister Nzimande was impressed by the proactive and innovative measures introduced by the hospital to manage Covid-19. These includes the establishment of a flu clinic since March 2020. The clinic is used to screen all patients and visitors to the hospital at the point of entry.

In concluding his visit, Minister Nzimande made an appeal that the arrival of vaccines does not suggest the relaxation of COVID-19 health protocols, which includes the wearing of masks, sanitisation and social distancing.

EDH