03/07/2025
PREGNANT WOMEN CAN NOW ACCESS CLINIC-BASED ULTRASOUND SERVICES, A VITAL BOOST ON MATERNAL HEALTH, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Pregnant women in uMgungundlovu District, especially across rural communities can now access vital ultrasound services directly at their local clinics, marking a major milestone in improving maternal healthcare in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
This development follows the rollout of ultrasound services to all Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in this district —previously only available at hospitals and Community Health Centres (CHCs). The change comes as a relief to expectant mothers who previously faced challenges including long-distance referrals, delayed appointments, and out-of-pocket expenses from private providers.
Appelsbosch Mobile Clinic, which amongst other areas serves Mpolweni, a rural area in the uMshwati Municipality, is currently the only mobile unit offering this service. Ms Thobile Hadebe from uMgungundlovu District, visited the area to survey the levels of satisfaction from clients.
uMgungundlovu has been selected as a pilot district for this type of initiative in KwaZulu-Natal. Ahead of the rollout, selected midwives received specialised training to provide point-of-care ultrasound services. Midwives play a critical role in maternal health, providing services related to antenatal, labour, postnatal, and newborn care.
Before this initiative, pregnant women had to be referred to distant hospitals or CHCs, often facing delayed appointments and transportation costs. The new model brings services to the point of need, reducing these barriers and ensuring more timely care.
31-week pregnant Samukelisiwe Ndawonde, a client at Mpolweni Mobile Clinic shared her experience. “With my first pregnancy, I had to go to a private doctor for a scan, and it was costly. They didn’t even check my blood pressure or do urine tests like Sister Sokhela does here,” she said. “Sister Sokhela is amazing—she’s always cheerful and treats us with care.” Miss Ndawonde concluded by saying that she had a deep appreciation for the convenience and quality of care they now receive closer to home.
Sr Khanyisile Sokhela, the midwife operating the mobile ultrasound service at Mpolweni, acknowledged a few ongoing challenges, such as limited internet connectivity and staff shortages during her absence. Nonetheless, she said the service is well-received and is making a positive impact on maternal health in the area.
Health officials hope this initiative will encourage more women to seek antenatal care early in pregnancy. They are also calling on partners and fathers to become more involved in supporting maternal healthcare by accompanying their loved ones to clinic visits.
This pilot project marks a promising step toward more equitable, accessible healthcare for pregnant women in rural KwaZulu-Natal.