/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.
The Democratic Alliance in the North West is concerned after the Department of Health has not paid an electricity bill of R145 935.70 that now could lead to the closure of the Karlien Park Community Clinic in Rustenburg.
The clinic has to operate without electricity due to non -payment for more than a month already.
The DA is in possession of the electricity bill which shows that the last payment was made as far back as 1999.
The clinic plays a significant role in the community, by providing antiretroviral treatment and counselling to HIV/AIDS patients and providing further medical assistance.
North West is currently experiencing a severe heat wave and it is impossible for the clinic to store medication at the right temperatures. Some medical equipment is redundant as it cannot work without electricity.
North West is a province that is ravaged by service delivery protests, where people resort to burning down schools and clinics to be heard. The province simply does not have the luxury of closing a community clinic.
Members of the ANC ward committee have now been forced to approach the DA in an attempt to resolve the issue and avoid the possible closure of the clinic.
The DA has written to Health MEC Magome Masike requesting answers why the account has not been paid and demanding the reconnection of the electricity.
The DA will continue to monitor and ensure that the clinic does not get shut down and that the electricity is reconnected soon.
The DA asks the MEC to uphold the constitutional rights of the community which states that everyone has a right to have access to health services, and closing clinics does not serve the interest of the community.
Issued by DA North West
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here