Pretoria - Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC Qedani Mahlangu has sent a stern warning to health care workers found to be mistreating their patients.
"Action will be taken against any health worker found to be negligent when it comes to patient care," warned Mahlangu on Tuesday.
Speaking at the official opening of HIV and AIDS Care and Treatment Centre at Meadowlands Clinic, Mahlangu urged nurses not to turn patients away but treat them and only refer them when necessary.
"The centre is part of the department's initiative to ensure that people receive quality health care close to their homes, I do not want to hear stories of patients being turned away or ill-treated," said Mahlangu.
The refurbished centre, which was made possible by ANOVA Health Institute, a non-government organization, will provide all services related to HIV prevention and treatment.
Mahlangu said the centre adds to the list of already offered services at the clinic such as Ante-Natal care, chronic illnesses, dental and mental services.
The Gauteng Provincial Government will this financial year increase the number of anti-retroviral treatment sites in the province from 73 to 113.
Mahlangu urged the community to use the centre in order to know their health status including diabetes, hypertension and HIV.
She also urged pregnant mothers to visit their local clinics as soon as they suspect that they might be pregnant.
"They will be tested to ensure that they have healthy pregnancies and an HIV test will also help prevent the transmission of the virus to the unborn children," she said.
