Patients who visited the Karenpark clinic in Akasia these past few weeks were turned away because there is no doctor on duty to treat them.
The clinic specialises in treating women and children.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) warned the Gauteng Department of Health that this would happen weeks ago already when the Department abruptly terminated doctors’ contracts on 31 March.
All the affected doctors were part of the pilot programme of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
The decision impacts thousands of patients who frequent the 24 clinics in the Tshwane Metro.
Many patients rely on these clinics for the treatment of HIV/Aids, TB, sexually transmitted diseases, pre-natal care and chronic medication.
The residents who visit these clinics cannot afford private healthcare services, and are being denied essential healthcare.
The Freedom Front Plus MPL in the Gauteng Legislature, adv Anton Alberts, has already enquired about the matter from the MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The party demands answers from the MEC and an explanation of how the Department will ensure that patients get the care they need.
If the situation is not addressed soon, it could turn into a health disaster.
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