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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has requested the Northern Cape Department of Health to urgently intervene in the possible implosion of health care services in Phokwane.

Almost six months’ worth of outstanding payments owed to the Jane Keyzer Clinic in Hartswater by the Road Accident Fund (RAF), is threatening the facility’s survival. The clinic is the only centre offering rehabilitation services in the greater Phokwane region and it serves as the main referral node for hospitals. The clinic also has an operating theatre, which plays a critical role in ensuring access to medical treatment.

The RAF is in dispute with regards to the level of care provided at the clinic and subsequently the tariffs. It is refusing to make outstanding payment of R7 million to the clinic until it applies for an alternate practice number. A similar stance taken by the RAF at other facilities in the area, has already led to them halting their rehabilitation services. This is contrary to a court order that previously found the RAF to be in the wrong with regards to the tariffs that it wants to impose.

Due to administratively burdensome processes, it could take the clinic years to change its practice number, impeding services in the interim and forcing the clinic to close its doors.

As a result, rehabilitation cases will need to be referred to bigger centres, creating an unnecessary backlog for treatment and making health care inaccessible for some. The area, known to be a high accident zone for motor vehicle accidents, also has a high demand for rehabilitation services, making the closure detrimental to victims of motor vehicle accidents.

I have written a letter to the MEC and HOD of Health, requesting them to assist in resolving this matter.

Greater access to health care services should be protected and promoted, not damaged by non-payment and eradicated through burdensome and unlawful red tape.

Issued by Dr Isak Fritz, MPL - DA Northern Cape Premier Candidate