KwaZulu -Natal MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will on Wednesday, 9 July 2014, address the community of Ezakheni regarding safety-related challenges at Ezakheni No. 2 clinic.
This Community Health Centre (CHC), which is regarded as a “mini-hospital”, provides vital services to the community and is one of the busiest in uThukela District, attending to 25 322 cases per quarter, from a population of 34 097 in places like Ndaka, Steadville, Matiwane, Zakheni, among others. However, the CHC is situated not far from a tavern.
Over a period of time its staff, management and health case users have borne the brunt of a number of adverse incidents perpetrated by unruly elements. These incidents – some of which occurred quite recently - include shootings, stabbings, assaults, damage to property and verbal abuse. As a result, the clinic’s operating times have had to be reduced; it has gone from being open 24 a day to operating between 08h00 and 16h00. This has had far-reaching consequences for members of the local community who need emergency medical attention, including that of a maternal nature.
On Wednesday at Ezakheni No. 2 Clinic, MEC Dhlomo will address the local community and is expected to decide on the clinic’s fate. Proceedings will start at 10h00. Members of the media are invited to attend and report on this.
Contact:
Desmond Motha
Cell: 083 295 3901
