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The DA is urging the Northern Cape Health Department to speedily assist in mobilising a recently donated Patient Transport Vehicle (PTV).

Since the Department of Health closed the Primary Health Care (PHC) facility in Loeriesfontein last year and moved all services to the Community Health Centre (CHC) because of staff shortages, it has been a struggle for all residents, especially the elderly living far from the CHC and those without transport, to access healthcare services.

While the donation of a PTV, by the Loeriesfontein and Khobab Wind Farms, is welcomed by the local community, it is only the first hurdle towards closing the gap in access to medical care for all residents of Loeriesfontein.

Departmental red tape and logistical issues, including a lack of a driver, now stand in the way of getting the vehicle moving.

The DA has requested the MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene, to urgently intervene to ensure that the van doesn’t gather dust and that it adds value to the community. I have also met with the sponsors to urgently address the issue with the department, in order to help expedite the process.

Available resources, that can serve to expand access to healthcare, must be optimally used by the health department.

Issued by Francois Farao, Cllr - Hantam Municipality