By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa recently launched the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Rural Clinical School (RCS) at St Elizabeth Regional Hospital in Lusikisiki and it has been hailed as a milestone for the province. MEC Capa was joined by WSU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Thandi Mgwebi.
The facility, which is a partnership between the Easten Cape Department of Health and the Walter Sisulu University will offer medical training in the setting of a rural health facility and is only the second RCS in South Africa. The school has been active since 19 January with 10 final year MBChB students who are set to remain at the rural facility for the duration of their final year. It is hoped that the programme will soon be expanded to include and facilitate other medical training.
MEC Capa highlighted that Walter Sisulu University Faculty of Medicine has consistently led innovation in health sciences education and rural medical training in South Africa.
“These national firsts were achieved here in the Eastern Cape, demonstrating that excellence in medical education can be built and sustained in rural communities,” said Capa.
Final-year medical student Lebeko Kabelo Edmond Madike, one of the ten students placed at the Walter Sisulu University Rural Clinical School at St Elizabeth Regional Hospital in Lusikisiki, says the opportunity to train in a rural setting is important in understanding the health needs of underserved communities and strengthening his commitment to serving in rural areas beyond graduation.
The students will spend the year training and working alongside healthcare teams, contributing to service delivery while gaining valuable hands-on experience in rural healthcare.
- The Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa, and Walter Sisulu University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Thandi Mgwebi, officially opened the Walter Sisulu University Rural Clinical School by cutting the ribbon, marking the opening of the rural clinical facilities, campus infrastructure and science training spaces aimed at strengthening rural healthcare training and services.
