The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has written to the Limpopo MEC for Health Phophi Ramathuba to urgently intervene and address the challenges at Valdezia Clinic in Makhado.
The oversight inspection by the DA revealed a shocking state of neglect at this clinic and a large number of challenges that the facility now faces as a result. (view photos here, here, here, here and here)
Our Inspection revealed that:
- There is a severe shortage of medicine at the clinic – There is no blood pressure medication, birth control medication, toddler and infant vaccines. The clinic also had extremely low stock of Polio and Malaria Medication.
- The clinic building is apparently being loaned from the EPC Church and does not belong to the Limpopo Department of Health. The community met with the Limpopo Department of Health and a site to build a new clinic was determined but nothing has materialised.
- The clinic is inaccessible to vehicles due to the very poor condition of the road. The clinic is no longer serviced by ambulances because of its inaccessibility and staff have to park quite a distance from the clinic and walk through the mud.
- There is a shortage of equipment – the incubator for new born babies and the blood pressure monitor have not been functional for months.
- The clinic is seriously understaffed and nurses struggle to cope with the large number of patients. The clinic offers service to about 2000 patients a month, most of whom are patients with chronic conditions.
- Nurse Accommodation is dilapidated and they do not have functional toilets.
- The clinic is running low on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and there are no chairs for patients to use in the facility.
- The unkempt clinic grounds pose a risk to the patients and staff, there is very long grass at the premises and snakes are a frequent presence at the clinic.
This facility has faced some of these challenges for a long period. In 2018 the DA raised concerns and carried out oversight at this clinic after numerous complaints from the community regarding severe staff shortages, poor treatment of patients and shortages of medication.
MEC Ramathuba and her department must urgently intervene and address the serious challenges facing Valdezia Clinic.
The DA remains committed to ensuring the right of every resident to access proper healthcare and improving the condition of public healthcare facilities in Limpopo.