Mobility
With reference to a pilot programme that integrates health and mobility services where patients are collected to access healthcare – an initiative previously managed solely by the Department of Health and Wellness – that is currently underway:
(1) (a) What are the specific statistics regarding (i) the number of patients who have been served by this initiative to date, (ii) the number of patients who could potentially benefit, (iii) the areas covered and (iv) any measurable outcomes achieved and (b) in what ways has this programme improved patient access to healthcare and overall service delivery;
(2) whether his Department is considering expanding this initiative to urban areas as well as other rural regions; if so, what is the projected timeline for such an expansion;
(3) whether there are plans to partner with transport service providers, such as Golden Arrow Bus Services, to scale or enhance the programme; if so, what would these partnerships entail?
- On 11 August 2025, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness in the Overberg District, in partnership with the Department of Mobility and the local taxi association, officially launched a new patient transport pilot service from Railton Clinic to Swellendam Clinic to support healthcare access for residents of Railton, while the facility is being rebuilt following the fire in 2024.
(a) Specific statistics regarding:
| 6 patients per day |
| Up to 10 patients per day once the service is fully operational |
| Railton, Swellendam |
| Successful launch of the service in partnership with the local taxi association and daily trips since 11 August 2025. Further monitoring and evaluation of the pilot will be conducted. |
(b) This programme has already shown its potential to significantly improve patient access to healthcare and overall service delivery. Following the closure of the Railton Clinic, the pilot has provided a vital lifeline for the community by ensuring that patients, particularly the elderly, pregnant women, and caregivers with young children, are able to reach the Swellendam Clinic without the barrier of transport challenges. By partnering with the local taxi association, the initiative has reduced missed appointments, improved continuity of care, and offered a more reliable and dignified way for residents to access essential health services. In doing so, the programme not only strengthens health outcomes but also demonstrates how integrated health and mobility solutions can deliver responsive, people-centred service delivery. It must, however, be noted that the continuation and growth of such initiatives remain budget dependent.
- The Department acknowledges the importance of this initiative and is committed to exploring its potential expansion to both urban and other rural regions. However, before definitive timelines can be established, it is essential that the current pilot project is fully implemented, monitored, and evaluated. The pilot phase is critical to test operational feasibility, resource requirements, cost implications, and coordination between health and mobility services. Through careful monitoring and evaluation, the Department will be able to identify key successes and areas for improvement, which will in turn guide evidence-based decisions on how the programme can be sustainably scaled to other areas.
- In areas where the pilot is extended, local public transport operators will indeed be approached for collaboration. However, the specific partners and the nature of these arrangements will be determined by the monitoring and evaluation outcomes of the pilot and tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each area in which the programme is implemented. This ensures that any partnership is responsive, context-specific, and sustainable.
