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The Excelsior clinic, situated in Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, has been found to be in a state of disrepair, putting the lives of its patients at risk. During a recent oversight visit by the Democratic Alliance (DA), several maintenance issues were identified that require urgent attention. 

One of the most alarming issues is the broken outside door that allows vermin to enter the clinic, posing a serious health risk to patients and staff. In addition, another outside door cannot be locked, thereby enabling anyone to gain access to the clinic without authorisation.

The lack of maintenance is not limited to the doors. The emergency room, consulting room, medicine storage room, and reception areas all suffer from a lack of lighting, which is critical to the effective functioning of these spaces. Water leaks in toilets and washbasins are also not being addressed, leading to an unhygienic environment that is unfit for medical treatment. The geyser is not functional, which means there is no hot water available in the building.

Moreover, the clinic has no resident doctor, and there are no visits by doctors due to non-payment of travel expenses. This is unacceptable in a town where the Excelsior clinic is the only medical facility available to residents.

This lack of action is not only putting patients and staff at risk but is also a clear indication that the ruling party does not care for the welfare of its residents.

The DA calls upon the Free State Department of Health to take immediate action to address the maintenance issues at the Excelsior clinic. We also call on the ruling party to show greater concern for the health and well-being of its residents by providing adequate resources to ensure that medical facilities are properly maintained. Additionally, we will escalate the matter to the Free State Provincial Legislature.

The DA will continue to hold the ruling party accountable for the welfare of its citizens and will not tolerate any neglect or disregard for the safety of patients and staff at medical facilities.

Issued by Dewald Hattingh - DA Councillor Mantsopa Local Municipality