An Alex resident has levelled allegations of maltreatment by an official at the Thusong Clinic on 12 Avenue.
The clinic temporarily operates from Thusong Youth Centre pending the conclusion of the renovations of its premises at Thusong Community Service Centre on 8th Avenue.
Zola Nibe (26) from Durban and a temporary resident in Alexandra, alleged that she was denied access to urgent medical treatment for a stomach ache by a clinic reception staff member.
The official allegedly demanded that Nibe speak to her in Sotho as she didn’t understand Zulu or English, and also that she present her clinic card. Nibe, who was accompanied by her sister Sharon van Zyl (26), said they were shocked by the official’s behaviour. They said she hadn’t brought her clinic card from Durban as she didn’t anticipate getting sick while temporarily in Alexandra, and wondered what the clinic would have done if she had collapsed there.
“I am very disappointed by her unbecoming conduct as a public official. A clinic is a place of service delivery – irrespective of colour [or] language – and I worry that some sick people may have been denied services because of her… with clinic management being unaware,” said Nibe.
“Such a person doesn’t deserve to be in public service or should be retrained to work with people.”
She added that the receptionist allegedly only attended to her after several hours and following their persistence for access to services. Nibe though, commended the nurses for their professional conduct and for treating her once she got to their rooms.
Acting manager, Sister Mbambo said the incident hadn’t been brought to their attention and urged those with medical- or admission-related problems to approach management.
Details: Thusong Clinic 082 355 1263.
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