The terrible condition of most of Ekurhuleni’s 77 clinics could continue to worsen of the metro’s department of health and social development does not step in.
The decay is exacerbated by the department’s underfunding.
According to an oversight report by the department, between 11 000 and 12 000 people visit the clinic in their specific area every month.
All the clinics report serious staff shortages. At present, there are 20 chief nurses, 169 nurses and another 342 vacancies.
General problems experienced by clinics include, among other things, water leakages and shortages, pharmacies without aircons to ensure medicine is stored in a cool place, no generators for backup during frequent power outages, inadequate seating and shelter for patients against the elements, broken toilets and doors, and telephones that are out of order.
Staff frequently need to use their private cell phones to phone doctors or hospitals.
The party recommends that a practical plan outlining timeframes for upgrading clinics be drawn up. A progress report in this regard has to be tabled to the Council on 1 June.
The FF Plus strongly condemned the terrible conditions at clinics during the recent oversight visit and warned that it serves as a sign of things to come should the National Health Insurance (NHI) be implemented.
If more funds are not allocated to the maintenance of clinics, some of them will inevitably have to close their doors.
Meanwhile, patients are denied their right to basic medical care due to the long waiting times and lack of staff and medication.
The FF Plus will pay frequent oversight visits to the relevant clinics during the year to monitor progress with upgrades.
The party will also put pressure on the Metro to appoint competent personnel in the vacant positions so as to relieve the work pressure on existing staff members.