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 IFP expressed shock at the state of the ERMS Services at Umlazi's Prince
Mshiyeni Hospital. This the party observed during a visit to the Hospital by
three IFP MP's, Dr Usha Roopnarain, Mr Joshua Mazibuko and Mr Alfred
Mpontshane and Councillor Ntombifuthi Gumede. The visit was prompted by
complaints that had come to the attention of Councillor Gumede who then
asked the three MP's to visit the hospital.

When the IFP leaders conducted an inspection of the ambulances, they were
shocked to find that the ALS (Advanced Life Support) vehicle had no sirens,
no hooters, and only red lights. This was in addition to the findings of
huge shortages of equipment, staff, linen and surgical supplies. They
further discovered that the AED monitors in all the new ambulances were not
working, and the staff did not know how to use these monitors. It was clear
that there was no orientation on the use of the new equipment.

Speaking after the visit, the leader of the IFP delegation and IFP's Shadow
MEC for Health, Dr Roopnarain said: "We were shocked by what we saw at the
hospital. Many vehicles were not road worthy, with some ambulances having
braking problems, and tyres are in a poor condition. It is also an
indictment that only 7 ambulance units are operational.

"We view this in a very serious light, and urge the Minister of Health to
intervene urgently, as the state of our EMRS impacts negatively on patient's
lives, who are already in need of urgent medical attention."