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The North West Health MEC Dr Magome Masike has on Thursday, 7 July 2016 visited Tlakgameng Community Health Centre (CHC) to investigate allegations of poor services by the Sowetan Newspaper. The MEC was accompanied by a team of management. They assessed the level of health care service delivery and ascertained allegations by the Sowetan Newspaper which included alleged poor health services, shortage of nurses, lack of hot water and electricity.

The following were the findings of the investigations:

On the allegation of shortage of nurses, the newspaper alleged that the Community Health Centre only operated with five (5) nurses. Contrary to these allegations the MEC established that Tlakgameng Health Centre is managed by the Operational Manager who is capable and always at the forefront in focusing on the provision of quality health care services in the institution.

The Team assist in the institutions are as follows:

1. General workers: 7 Female and 2 Males
2. Admin Clerks: 3
3. Data Capturers: 2
4. Auxillary Nurses: 4
5. Environmental Health Practitioner: 1
6. Enrolled Nursing Assistant: 1
7. PHC Re-engineering: One Professional Nurse, relieve at the clinic when a need arise.
8. School Health: One Professional Nurse, relieve at the clinic when a need arise.
9. Day to day Provision of quality health services: 11 Professional Nurses.
10. Pharmacy Assistant: 1

The above mentioned team is aware that there is shortage of Professional Nurses which is a colossal challenge but they always make sure that it does not hinder the provision of quality health care services as they meticulously ensure that services are rendered 24 hours in the institution. 

The Operational Manager always elevates all challenges that are above his scope of practice, therefore he could have informed the management if ever there had been load-shedding in Tlakgameng CHC.

“We can therefore confirm that there had never been any load-shedding or whatsoever. Nonetheless, the department is already in the process of purchasing a stand-by generator so that if that problem emanate we should be in the position to overcome it”, said MEC Masike.   

Provision of water in the institution: Tlakgameng CHC has never encountered any challenges with regard to water and as a precautionary measure water tank was purchased as a stand-by for in case there is no water in the village. Based on this provision, the allegation that there is no water in Tlakgameng CHC are just fabricated story intending to dent the reputation of the institution.

“Hot water is also available at Tlakgameng CHC. The CHC has two geysers. One of them was temporarily not working but it was already reported and processes for procurement of a new one were at an advanced stage at the point of Sowetan’s report. Had the journalist doubled-checked with us she would have known that the new geyser was on the way. As we speak the new geyser has been delivered to the CHC. The medical equipment was enough and in good working condition. The facility had all the essential items needed even for deliveries at the Maternity unit”, said MEC Masike.

A few globes at the Outpatient Department were not working. Our investigation revealed that not long ago they were replaced. However, Eskom has been requested to visit the facility to inspect wiring and correct any anormalities if any. In the meantime new globes were procured and the OPD has enough light. Apart from the OPD, the rest of the facility had enough lighting.

“Our institutions are having effective and efficient Clinic Committees which are playing the most integral role in achieving the objectives of the department (provision of quality health services). If ever there is anything hindering the provision of services, they address those harmoniously with the management. I can therefore conclude that the newspaper’s report was exaggerated”, said MEC Masike.

Issued by Department of Health North West