Samsung Electronics SA has unveiled the Lesego Digital Village in Ratlou, a village in the North West province - in an effort to deliver primary health care to the remote community.
According to the electronics firm, the almost 2 000 residents of the remote village have little to no access to health services. Through the Lesego Digital Village, which includes a mobile clinic as well as a smart classroom, the company hopes to provide facilities that will deliver primary health care to the community.
The facility is made up of three consulting rooms that offer mother and child healthcare services, ultra-sound scanner, blood analysis, immunisation and vaccination services, an X-ray department with a Samsung digital X-ray machine for general radiology services, reception area, dispensary, ablution facilities, kitchenette, outside waiting area, guardhouse, and a hybrid solar power plant.
Speaking at the opening in Ratlou, Sung Yoon, CEO of Samsung Electronics SA, said the initiative was part of the company's corporate citizenship drive. "At Samsung, we believe in creating innovative products and services that make a positive impact on people's lives and I am confident this initiative will make a significant difference in this community."
The new facility also includes a smart classroom with 40 tablets, an interactive e-board and printer which will be used to stream community health worker training classes. "We recently concluded an agreement with Taletso FET College in Mahikeng to partner with us as well as the Ratlou Municipality to present accredited courses, while we are also developing another learning centre in Kraaipan [ Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, North West ]," said the company in a statement.
The company has previously been involved with tech development in the province having donated two mobile clinics to the provinces' Department of Health as well as establishing a solar-powered health centre at the Maubane Clinic in Ga-Maubane in 2015.
Speaking at the time, Health MEC Dr Magome Masike said rural areas such as Ga-Maubane and Ratlou are most vulnerable to health issues. "Rural areas are susceptible to health issues due to a lack of access to healthcare and lack of education and this impacts on overall quality of life. Initiatives such as a solar-powered health centre help address this issue and we are appreciative of this partnership with Samsung whereby we can use their unique expertise to improve the living standards of our people."
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