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The DA in Limpopo will write to the Limpopo Health MEC, Phophi Ramathuba, to urgently intervene and address the challenges at Block 14 Clinic in Mankgaile, Ga-Molepo.

An oversight inspection following numerous complaints from the community revealed a shocking state of neglect and a large number of challenges that the facility now faces. (View photos here, here and here).

Our Inspection revealed that:

• The clinic caters to an average of 60 patients a day but has severe staff shortages - It is short of at least 3 nurses and has no data capturer, operation manager and groundsman. The facility also only has one cleaner. The clinic only operates Monday to Friday because of these shortages;
• There is a shortage of medication such as antibiotics and cough mixture;
• Toilets are not functional;
• The fence is broken and is a safety concern;
• There is no generator, and the Apollo light has not worked in years;
• The sewage system needs attention, it overflows into the nurse’s home;
• There are not enough chairs for patients to sit, there is also not enough space and no waiting area for patients to sit leaving them exposed to extreme weather conditions.
• The Water purifier has not been working for over two years, the area has salty borehole water and patients, and staff are drinking it as it is.

Ramathuba and her department must take immediate action to address the serious challenges and maintenance issues at Block 14 Clinic.

The DA is committed to ensuring the right of every resident to access proper healthcare and improving the condition of public healthcare facilities in the province for patients and staff.

Issued by Risham Maharaj MPL - DA Limpopo Spokesperson for Health