Gauteng Health Department: At least 214 babies born on Christmas

The Gauteng Health Department has confirmed that at least 214 babies were born on Christmas Day in public hospitals across the province. Health MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi, Emfuleni Mayor Sipho Radebe and Sedibeng District Health MMC Lola Khunou visited Sebokeng Hospital on Saturday morning, 25 December 2021, to welcome the newly-born babies, and celebrate with their parents, as well as present them with gifts

“I want to take this opportunity to thank healthcare workers who are working throughout this period. It has been a difficult time since the global COVID-19 pandemic hit, having to cope with their own fears and anxieties, and still ensuring that the people of Gauteng receive the best service when visiting health facilities,” Mokgethi said.

GAUTENG CHRISTMAS BABIES: NO OFFICIAL FIGURE YET

The number of babies born in Gauteng public hospitals on Christmas Day will likely be higher because the current figures given by the provincial health department are based on births which took place between 00:00 and 12:00. The department is expected to communicate those updated figures soon.

.MEC Mokgethi has urged parents of the newly-born babies to register births early, through Home Affairs offices available at health facilities.

“Thank you for always making Christmas time cheerful and filled with love to mothers and their new borns. We wish all parents well and encourage mothers to opt for breastfeeding their babies as it is essential and has many health benefits for new borns,”

Gauteng Health MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi

According to the Gauteng Health Department, academic hospitals delivered 45 babies mostly from Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital with 25 deliveries, followed by Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital with 9 deliveries. Tertiary Hospitals delivered a total of 27 babies with Kalafong Hospital delivering 10 and Tembisa with 17 deliveries.