Pretoria - Graphic stories of fatal collisions will always make headlines, especially now that the festive season is in full swing. However, it's not very often that survival tales get into the papers, never mind the front page.
It's stories of this nature that KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, would like for South Africans to think about in the midst of the carnage and fatalities.
"For every person dying as a result of injury, there are hundreds more that sustain non-fatal injuries and other health consequences," said Dhlomo during a visit to the Marian Hill Toll Plaza.
Dhlomo helped to spread the word on life after accidents, and how dramatically things changed for survivors. He noted that over the holidays, there was greater emphasis on the number of people who die and accidents that occurred, which masks the picture of hundreds more who are hospitalised, and those who lose limbs as a result of accidents as well as violent and traumatic episodes.
"The incidence of violence and trauma impacts negatively on health care delivery. This takes away resources (both human and financial) away from other services such as maternity and medical care. Whereas the department spends around R800 per person per day in hospital, it spends around R10 000 for victims of trauma and violence, who require intensive care," Dr Dhlomo said.
During the visit, the department also showcased its fleet of emergency vehicles and helicopters that are deployed throughout the province to provide high quality emergency care to victims of all types of trauma.
"We are also committed to the improvement of our emergency response and the ability to treat and rehabilitate victims," said Dhlomo.
He reminded citizens and visitors to dial the toll free 10177 number whenever they needed emergency care.
