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The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal calls on the Department of Health to develop a
"fool proof" protocol aimed at safety and security in public hospitals.

"Today I conducted an oversight visit at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in
Durban where I was shocked to find out that security guards stationed at the
entrance only search cars when they leave the hospital and not when they
enter the premises. My car was not searched on entering. This creates an
opening for dangerous weapons to be brought into the hospital, placing the
lives of hospital staff and patients at risk.

One of the security guards stated that it is not vital to search cars when
they enter the hospital premises but it's only important to search when they
leave. What would happen if people enter with dangerous weapons and shot
people inside the hospital? I am reminded of the incident at King Edward
VIII Hospital not so long ago where a staff member was shot by a colleague.
We must not compromise on safety in public places," said IFP Spokesperson on
Health, Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana, MPL.

"The absence of adequate security facilities at hospitals and clinics is one
of the reasons why medical personnel leave the public sector for the private
sector or in other government departments. Let us not wait for another
tragic incident before we act. Safety of staff and patients is one of the
items that should be prioritised when the Department allocates its budget,"
continued Mrs Nkwanyana.

"We demand that police be deployed at all hospitals and that contracts for
private security services be terminated. We further demand electronic
scanners and metal detectors at all hospital entry points, as well as
concrete palisade fences around all health care facilities," concluded Mrs
Nkwanyana.

The IFP calls on the KZN MEC of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo to urgently
conduct an audit on how security companies contracted to hospitals are
carrying out their duties and if found to be negligent, their contracts must
be terminated.

Issued by: IFP Spokesperson on Health, Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL