Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The Klerksdorp Hospital took a bold step forward in advancing specialised healthcare through a powerful collaboration with world-renowned medical experts from India. As part of the NWU Faculty Development Programme, the hospital hosted Prof Balu Vaidyanathan, a leading Fetal and Paediatric Cardiologist, and Prof Vivek Krishnan, a Fetomaternal Specialist from the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi, India.
The visit was marked by high-impact lectures and hands-on tutorials presented to staff from the Departments of Paediatrics and Obstetrics. The professors also shared their exceptional expertise in intrauterine procedures - highly specialised interventions conducted on a fetus while still in the womb. These procedures are critical in identifying and treating fetal conditions early, thereby improving survival rates and long-term health outcomes.
In addition to their hospital visit, the specialists conducted a comprehensive sonography workshop over the weekend for fetomaternal experts across South Africa. This practical training allowed clinicians to refine their skills in foetal imaging, improve diagnostic accuracy, and stay abreast of global best practices in maternal and fetal care.
The hospital CEO, Thulani Madonsela, commended the collaboration as a step forward in bringing together great minds to reach new heights in specialised hospital care.
“This collaboration not only elevates the standard of care at Klerksdorp Hospital, but also positions the North West Province as an emerging hub for specialised maternal and fetal healthcare,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Health. “Sharing knowledge across institutions is essential in ensuring our clinicians remain empowered with the latest techniques and innovations,” said Madonsela.
The visit underscores the value of ongoing partnerships between academic institutions and frontline health services, particularly in specialised areas like fetal cardiology and fetomaternal medicine. It also reflects the Department’s commitment to expanding expertise across all regions of the province.
Hospitals throughout the North West stand to benefit from this growing network of knowledge and skill exchange. As the Department continues to invest in training and international collaboration, more facilities will be equipped to perform advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures - ultimately saving lives and improving care for
mothers and babies.
