"I once gave a lift to an old lady whose husband was in a local state hospital. The operation to amputate his broken foot was constantly delayed until he eventually died in the hospital," tells Trevor Musgrove.
With recent horrid events taking place at the Leratong and Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospitals, public health service is questioned by the community.
The News set out to President Square to hear what the people have to say. From young to old, people are worried and concerned for the future of the South Africans who cannot afford private medical care.
Residents also added possible solutions to the problems they think the Department of Health is faced with.
Charmaine Maphwanya says that if she was older, she would confront President Jacob Zuma and ask for his help.
Peter Mavromatus argues that people should stray from using a medical aid and use that money, or less, to fund public hospitals. “I would imagine health services would improve because more money is invested in changing the awful circumstances people have to face now.”
“State hospital staff are totally overworked and underpaid. They are forced to deal with medical situations that their resources don’t allow,” says Garry Badenhorst. He suggests that more government money should be invested into public hospital equipment upgrades and replacements.
Jene Musgrove says the state should plan for a type of medical aid that people can afford and that will only be used at state hospitals.
Palesa Dhladhla hopes everyone who died at a state hospital because of negligence is in a better place. She blames the staff and feels more nurses need to be employed.
Promise Sibeko says Leratong Hospital staff is negligent and the nurses are rude. “Let’s treat each other like people. With dignity and respect for each other’s health.”
Sibahle Mhlongo feels that the government should provide more hospitals and employ more staff. “Nurses should undergo mentoring programs to encourage them. If you cannot afford medical aid, you should be able to safely deliver a baby in a state hospital.”
Gracious Zikalala feels that nurses are no longer committed to their work. “Nurses must be sent to patient’s homes because state hospitals are scary.”
Do you agree with these people? Leave your comment, we would love to know what you think.
