Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has officially opened a new R625 million military hospital in Gqeberha.

The 30-bed Military Base Hospital Gqeberha is located in Forest Hill and will serve about 9,000 military beneficiaries in Gqeberha, Makhanda, Mthatha and surrounding areas.

The facility provides 24-hour healthcare services, including primary healthcare, emergency care, surgery, diagnostics, dental care, pharmacy services, paediatric care and rehabilitation.

Hospital supports 'Soldier First' approach

Motshekga said the hospital was an important part of the Defence Department’s “Soldier First” approach.

She said military personnel, their families and veterans should receive healthcare that reflects the sacrifices made by those serving the country.

The Department of Defence has previously described the Gqeberha hospital as part of efforts to modernise military healthcare and improve access to specialised services in the Eastern Cape.

Motshekga also stressed that the facility must be properly maintained and that patients should continue to receive care with dignity and respect.

Military healthcare could support communities

The minister said military healthcare services could also help surrounding communities through partnerships with other government departments.

She pointed to Project Owethu, which takes military healthcare services into rural communities.

According to Motshekga, military medical teams previously performed 172 cataract operations in the Eastern Cape as part of the outreach programme.

Eastern Cape wants closer cooperation

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane welcomed the investment and said the province wants stronger cooperation with the Defence Department in healthcare and emergency medical services.

He said discussions on a memorandum of understanding were already at an advanced stage.

Mabuyane said cooperation should extend beyond Gqeberha to areas such as Mthatha and Matatiele, where SANDF personnel are also deployed.

Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Babalwa Lobishe said the hospital would benefit serving military personnel, veterans and their families while also contributing to the local economy.

She said bringing services closer to beneficiaries could also reduce the need for some patients to travel to other provinces for treatment.