Durban’s Addington Children’s Hospital, once a symbol of resistance against the apartheid government’s discriminatory policies, is rising from the ashes. The hospital, which was shut down in the 1980s for providing care to children of all races, is now being restored to its former glory thanks to the vision and dedication of individuals like Professor Hoosen Coovadia.
Reclaiming the Hospital’s Heartbeat
The hospital’s story is one of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. During the apartheid era, the hospital’s commitment to providing quality care to all children, regardless of their racial background, was seen as a threat to the government’s segregationist policies. As a result, the hospital was forced to close its doors, leaving a significant gap in the healthcare system for the city’s most vulnerable population.
Fast forward to the present, and the hospital is undergoing a major transformation. With the help of South Africa’s Department of Health, the hospital is being refurbished and equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities. The goal is to create a world-class children’s hospital that will provide specialized care to children from all over the province.
Key Features of the New Hospital
Some of the key features of the new hospital include:
- A state-of-the-art pediatric intensive care unit
- A dedicated oncology ward for children with cancer
- A neonatal unit with advanced life-support equipment
- A child-friendly emergency department
According to Professor Coovadia, the hospital’s revival is not just about providing medical care, but also about creating a sense of community and hope for the city’s children. As he notes, the hospital’s reopening is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of providing quality healthcare to all, regardless of their background.
The hospital’s restoration is also being supported by various organizations, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which has provided significant funding and technical assistance to the project.
