The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape is calling on the MEC of Health, Fufe Makatong, to launch an investigation into the relocation of the De Aar Hospital from the old building to the new facility.

This comes after myself and Constituency Head, Safiyia Stanfley, along with councillors and a representative of the ratepayers association, last week conducted an oversight inspection of what remains of the former hospital and found it in a terrible state.

It looks as if staff hurriedly vacated the old premises. We discovered confidential patient files and x-rays scattered across the floors. Hundreds, if not thousands of packets of condoms, as well as medical supplies, hospital gowns and even medical waste, in the form of disused syringes, finger prick needles and drip bags, can be found abandoned in the old facility.

Aside from what has been left behind, the building itself is in a terrible state. Not only has it been vandalized but it is also being carried away, bit by bit, with the roof already having been disassembled in certain parts.

See photos here, here, here, here, here and here.

The DA challenges MEC Makatong to go and inspect the old hospital. She needs to see for herself in what state her department left this building. She also needs to hold management accountable for what was left behind, as this does not just pose a threat to patient confidentiality but is also a health risk and further contributes to wasted resources.

The DA will also submit a query to the Roads and Public Works Department, who is the custodian of all state buildings, to establish the fate of the old hospital and to ask why government is allowing the building to be torn down brick by brick.

It is unacceptable that state property has been willfully neglected in this irresponsible way - the community of De Aar deserves better.

Only change under a DA-led government will bring an end to the inefficiencies that trouble the provincial health department and ensure that state resources, whether big or small, are managed in a way that minimizes waste and ensures the optimal provision of healthcare to patients.

 

Issued by DA