Gauteng Health ramps up focus on workplace diabetes to ease strain on public system

The Gauteng Health Department said it will be sharpening its focus on diabetes in the workplace as rising cases continue to strain the public health system.

Officials warn that diabetes remains one of the leading contributors to absenteeism, long-term disability, and avoidable hospital admissions in the province - prompting a renewed push to address the disease among government employees.

READ: Gauteng Health Dept: 65% of monitored patients achieving reasonable glycaemic control

On Thursday, the Department of International Relations, Corporate Affairs, and the Employee Health and Wellness Unit held a joint session aimed at helping staff better understand diabetes management and the importance of regular screening.

Officials said ensuring a healthier workforce is becoming an operational priority as non-communicable diseases increasingly affect productivity across the public service

Gauteng Clinical Health Advisor, Gauhelo Molefe, said: "We really want to be on board. This week alone, we had the Diabetic Summit that was being hosted by Ekurhuleni Health District, where our employees and the community and the civil society were also in attendance."

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