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THE Inkatha Freedom Party in KwaZulu Natal is gravely concerned about
the Provincial Department of Health’s lacking in its mandate to provide
optimum health care to the citizens of the province.
A latest report of the crisis at the Durban & Coastal Regional laundry
in Sea Cow Lake has highlighted the dysfunctional state of the health
care sector. Early in July, Honourable Les Govender was part of the
Provincial Health Portfolio Committee that visited Addington hospital.
Amongst many of the concerns that were raised was that of the
centralized laundry service not functioning as expected.
“We were given assurance that the issues raised during the visit at
Addington Hospital were being addressed. I have in my possession a copy
of the presentation made at Addington hospital wherein the Acting CEO,
Dr ER Masilela, with reference to Laundry services, states:
“Remedial Action: 1) Ongoing communication and visits to Central
Laundry
2) Two staff members seconded from our laundry to assist with sorting/
fast tracking Addington linen. Also means that linen is not mixed with
other institutions.”
“Two months later and the crisis in the central laundry has worsened to
the extent that hospitals are experiencing a severe shortage of clean
linen leading to doctors considering postponing operations, soiled linen
being burnt, etc. It is no wonder that so many patients and hospital
staff pick up infections at hospitals,” said Honourable Les Govender,
member of the Health Portfolio Committee.
The IFP is disturbed that Whilst MEC Sbongiseni Dhlomo acknowledges
that only one laundry machine is working that there is no shortage of
clean linen, this is despite soiled linen being burnt and/or dumped in
landfill site, whilst MEC Dhlomo acknowledging that only one laundry
machine is working. The IFP is calling for the department of Health’s
immediate action towards repairing the other machines so that they can
be able to effectively service the 12 hospitals and nine clinics.
“We cannot allow the health of our people to be compromised while paid
officials are found wanting. Someone must take responsibility,”said
Honourable Govender.