The Democratic Alliance led by Johannesburg Regional Chairperson Khume Ramulifho, Councillor Rabelani Dagada and Councillor Luyolo Mphithi paid a visit to Meadowlands Clinic, Sinqobile Clinic and Motsoaledi Clinic on July 2 to inspect public health facilities within their Constituency.
During the visit at Meadowlands Clinic, members were alerted of the 89 staff and one doctor that services an estimated 12 000 patients monthly.
Speaking on behalf of the clinic, matron Mamosebetsi Lekolo said the clinic needed more staff members to avoid residents waiting in clinic for hours to get help.
Other challenges faced by the clinic include insufficient rooms for the clinic’s administration, infrastructure and shortage of cleaning equipment.
Ramulifho said concerns and issues observed will be referred to the Legislature to ensure that Members of the Executive Committee (MEC) enable corrective action.
“We have made observations and we will escalate it to pressure the MEC to fix these problems. Factors such as insufficient supply of hot water, no ambulance on standby and no administration block challenge the quality of the service provided,” said Ramulifho.
Lekolo added that the clinic’s district has been supportive, particularly with the alleged shortage of medication.
“We exchange supplies with the other two clinics as we sometimes run out of stock which the other two clinics might have and vice versa. The massive influx of patients is caused by preference. Even though they’re near Sinqobile or Motsoaledi, they’d rather come here.
“Although the area frequently experiences load-shedding, the clinic is never affected because the generator kicks in immediately.” said Lekolo.
However, several parts of the clinic experienced lights out with patients waiting in the cold as heaters are not operating.
Ramulifho promised to have matters such as the demolition of an old unsafe structure and maintenance of waste managements systems taken care of.
