Editor – The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal calls on MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo to make it mandatory that all front-line staff be retrained on proper customer care after reports that patients are being turned away at some healthcare facilities.
The right of all citizens to receive quality treatment in public healthcare facilities is specifically guaranteed by our constitution.
No one deserves to be treated in an inhumane manner, especially by medical personnel who took an oath to serve those who are ill.
People go to these public healthcare facilities because they are in need of medical help from people who are paid from taxpayers’ money.
Nurses with bad attitudes towards patients must be removed from the health profession, as their conduct is unacceptable.
Government cannot hope to achieve its goals in terms of the National Health Insurance while such conditions prevail at our public healthcare facilities. The MEC, HOD and other senior managers are urged to conduct unannounced visits without any fanfare to get a clear picture of what goes on and not be fooled by the airbrushed reports they get from some facilities when they visit with delegations.
The IFP demands that the MEC must develop a road-map which provides a strategic long-term framework for government in terms of human resource development, health facility upgrading, and the establishment of specialised services and institutions.
