The new George Surgical Centre received this generous compliment from Prof. Andries Stulting, head of the Orange Free State University's Ophthalmology Department and well-known internationally for his contribution in the field of ophthalmology.
Stulting was one of the guest speakers at the official opening of the centre on Monday night. He called it an outstanding facility that should be marketed widely: "People must know that they don't need to travel to the big centres like Johannesburg for specialist ophthalmic surgery any more.
"The best facility and treatment is available right here."
The Western Cape Health Minister, Mr Theuns Botha unveiled the plaque of this ultra modern day centre in CJ Langenhoven Road that offers state-of-the-art facilities for ophthalmic and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
The centre became operational in mid-September and has to date treated more than 300 patients. The four partners are ophthalmologists Drs Johannes Meyer, Richard Faul and Charl Roux and plastic surgeon, Dr Ian McGibbon.
Botha congratulated the partners on their ambitious venture, saying that their investment is in line with the department's aim to establish the province as a sought-after international medical destination. "During the economic downturn, medical care grew by 3% in the Western Cape and the medical sector has now become one of the province's biggest economic contributors."
The glamorous opening function was attended by about 250 guests including doctors, specialists and ophthalmologists from the Southern Cape Karoo region as well as Cape Town and Bloemfontein.
* Die multi-mijoen rand George Surgical Centre is Maandagaand amptelik geopen. Gaste het van oor die hele land gekom om die deftige aand by te woon.
At the unveiling of the plaque of the Surgical Centre were (from left) Dr Ian McGibbon (plastic surgeon and Surgical Centre partner), George Mayor Charles Standers, Prof. Andries Stulting (head of the Orange Free State University's ophthalmology department), Western Cape Minister of Health Theuns Botha, Drs Johannes Meyer, Charl Roux and Richard Faul (all three Surgical Centre partners) and Dr Andries Marais (PE Eye and Laser Clinic).
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
