A sad day for Epilepsy SA – “We have never been in a crisis like this before”

The Epilepsy Centre in Parys is in dire financial need after subsidies from Department of Health have not been paid for two months in a row now. These subsidies were due for payment on 31 March and 28 April respectively, but none were recieved.
In addition to this, no subsidy from the Department of Social Development was received either as the centre was still awaiting a new service agreement from the department.
This meant that the centre was again not in a position to pay salaries on time and could only manage to pay 70% of personnel’s salaries,.
But the main concern in this desperate situation is to provide meals daily for the 72 residents.
With no income the situation worsens by the day.
Department of Social Development at last brought the memorandum of agreement which was signed on Friday and is now processed, but answers from Department of Health was still awaited at the time of print as to the non-payment of subsidies to the centre.
According to centre director, Gary Westwood, the centre has never been in a crisis like this before.
“We are putting pressure on government departments but with little positive response creating a situation beyond control.”
While fundraising action plans are in place, after Covid 19 lockdown restrictions were lifted, these will only put the centre in an improved financial position in September, says Gary.
“We are only surviving due to the generosity of the public”

If you can help in any way to bring relief to the centre with food or financial assistance please contact Gary at Epilepsy SA’s Free State Northwest Centre on 082 378 2870 of you can make a financial contribution securely at https://pay.yoco.com/epilepsy-sa