Limpopo clinic uses stove as filing cabinet: DA calls for debate

TZANEEN – A recent Democratic Alliance oversight visit to Dr. Hugo Nkabinde Clinic in Tzaneen has uncovered yet another basic equipment shortage.

This is the latest visit in a series of unannounced visits by the DA to medical facilities. The DA’s visits have revealed a number of serious concerns across the province. There is clearly an acute shortage of medical equipment and generally unacceptable working conditions for our healthcare workers.

At Dr. Hugo Nkabinde Clinic, a kitchen zinc is used to keep patients’ files. In these conditions, it is not surprising that these files often go missing. A stove is also converted into a cabinet file.

Beds which are meant for patients are used as tables for staff.

Without basic administrative equipment, no health care centre can operate properly. It places additional strain on the nurses who have to endure working under these conditions.

At the Legislature sitting next week, Desireé van der Walt of the DA will introduce a motion to debate the state of our healthcare facilities in Limpopo. “Hopefully, the MEC’s response will shed some light on the steps she intends to take to rectify some of these challenges.” Desireé said.

The zinc at Dr Hugo Nkabinde Clinic is used to keep patient’s files.