SANDF intervenes at North West health facilities amid violent protests

The North West department of health has welcomed the arrival of the South African Military Health Services wing to the province’s health facilities, particularly around Mahikeng amid ongoing violent protests by residents calling for the removal of premier Supra Mahumapelo.

Members of the National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) have been on strike in the province since February 26, demanding the dismissal of the head of department of health, Dr Thabo Lekalakala, the termination of contracts for companies issued by the department, a bonus payment of five percent for all employees in the department, among others.

The strike has paralysed health services in the provincial capital Mahikeng, igniting mass protests after two people died at Motshioa Stad clinic on Tuesday.

Mahumapelo suspended Lekalakala on Thursday after the release of a preliminary report into allegations of impropriety against him in the warding of a department of health contract to Mediosa, which is linked to the controversial Gupta family.

In a statement on Saturday, the department’s spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “It’s been weeks since the province has been experiencing unprecedented pressure on the health system due to disruptions that occurred in a number of health facilities. The latest community protests contributed immensely to the challenges faced by the department.”

Lekgethwane said the environment had not been conducive for some of the department’s health professionals especially nurses, to provide uninterrupted health services as they feared for their lives since the protests started.

“MEC Dr Magome Masike has since been engaged in talks with the National Ministry, the SANDF and authorities in the country to avail the services of the military health services.”

Masike:I applaud the commitment by some of our health professionals who have dedicated themselves & take their oath of service to heart to service our people in the midst of the current volatile situation. One such doctor is Dr Mothupi at Mahikeng Provincial Hospital #Mahikeng pic.twitter.com/I2tEexLHT4

— North West Health (@NorthWestDOH) April 21, 2018

Masike: The arrival of the SANDF military health services comes at a time of dire need of their services, skills and expertise. #Mahikeng

— North West Health (@NorthWestDOH) April 21, 2018

Masike: We were pushed by the dire need to help our people, to provide healthcare despite the current volatile situation. We know that the military health professionals have been involved in peace support operations in other African countries. #Mahikeng

— North West Health (@NorthWestDOH) April 21, 2018

Masike: The availability of essential drugs and medical supplies is also improving in health facilities following a decision to allow managers to directly source medication from suppliers. #Mafikeng

— North West Health (@NorthWestDOH) April 21, 2018

Masike: We commend the support of the South African Association of Hospitals and Institutional Pharmacists (SAAHIP) who are planning to use their network of private hospitals to collect and distribute medical supplies. #Mahikeng

— North West Health (@NorthWestDOH) April 21, 2018

–  Additional reporting African News Agency 

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