Motala clinic health concerns under the spotlight
The mobile clinic has been without water for six months and has had no electricity for an entire year.
THE local DA PR councillor for wards 13 and 15 was appalled at the conditions faced by the patients of the Motala Heights mobile clinic.
The clinic helps babies and children as well as HIV/AIDS patients. During a recent site visit, PR councillor Marlaine Nair, noted that the facility had been without water for the past six months and has not been supplied with electricity for an entire year.
“Lack of these services has compromised the hygiene levels at the clinic, putting both staff and patients at risk. Floors have not been cleaned for six months and fridges and airconditioning cannot function,” said Nair.
A nursing assistant, whose name is known to the Highway Mail, stated that certain medications had to be administered to patients at the clinic and it was difficult to do so without water. She added that the municipality had provided the clinic with portable toilets upon insistence after patients continued to use the on-site toilets, despite not having water.
“Neighbours complained of the stench coming from these toilets. It appears that the theft of electricity through illegal connection, as well as a broken water meter has resulted in the lack of services at the clinic,” said Nair.
The nursing assistant said the state of the clinic was reported a while ago and that management was fully aware. “Vulnerable patients at Motala Heights clinic as well as the staff deserve better conditions. I am shocked that this has gone on for so long, The matter has been escalated to the relevant authorities and I am awaiting feedback,” said Nair.
