"We have identified dedicated TB and ARV wings as a crucial element in our efforts to effectively treat these communicable diseases. It is important to provide environments where patients feel safe and where their privacy can be better protected. Dedicated spaces also allow us to protect the health and well-being of the general clinic population. These spaces reduce waiting times not only for our HIV and TB clients who are often required to visit the clinic on a regular basis, but also other clients," said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Health, Councillor Siyabulela Mamkeli.
The projects include upgrades already under construction, construction earmarked to begin this year and upgrades still in the planning phase. Extensions for dedicated tuberculosis (TB) and antiretroviral (ARV) wings and bigger pharmacy units are already underway at Tafelsig Clinic in Mitchells Plain and the Mzamomhle Clinic in Brown's Farm, with just under R3.1 million budgeted for these two projects.
Extensions and the upgrading of the emergency room and pharmacy at Ravensmead Clinic are set to get underway later this year, with a budget of R1,5 million.
A number of other projects are currently in the planning phase, as outlined below:
| Clinic | Scope of work | Budget 2015/16 |
| Sarepta | Extensions for ARV and TB services | R500 000 |
| Ikhwezi | Parking area and upgrading roads into the clinic | R600 000 |
| Masincedane | Extensions for ARV/TB services and pharmacy | R1 100 000 |
| Ocean View | Extensions to reception/records area | R300 000 |
| Uitsig | Extensions for ARV and TB services | R243 266 |
| Elsies River | Replacement of ARV/TB section | R600 000 |
City Health is also set to start planning for new facilities in Pelican Park and Fisantekraal, but this will be limited to feasibility and concept design during the current financial year, as well as doing the preparatory land use work for the Spencer Road Clinic in Salt River, the new Zakhele Clinic in Khayelitsha and the Masiphumelele Clinic.
In the 2014/15 financial year, general upgrades were completed at a number of clinics, including:
"Many of our clinics were built years ago, when population sizes were smaller and health needs were different. Today, many of our physical spaces are no longer adequate for the health needs of the growing populations in many communities and that is why these infrastructure upgrades are so important. They allow us to improve service delivery, but also raise the morale of staff and improve the relationship with our clients," concludes Mamkeli.
