The DA will write to the Northern Cape MEC for Health, Fufe Makatong, to request urgent intervention in addressing the deteriorating health care conditions at both the Straussburg and Louisvale clinics outside of Upington.

This is according to Harold McGluwa, the DA Northern Cape Provincial Chairperson and Chief Whip of the Provincial Caucus who undertook oversight inspections to the clinics situated at Straussburg and Louisvale on Tuesday 07 August 2018.

Mr McGluwa says that he had been informed by a member from the Congregational Church in Straussburg – the church building which has been used as a make shift clinic for the past three years – that they are seriously considering closing their doors as a clinic.

Exactly a month ago, when Mr McGluwa had conducted the first oversight to the clinic at this church site, it came to light that the clinic had received no financial support, upgrades or maintenance work from the Department of Health.

The Straussburg “clinic” fails to offer patients any privacy – such as when basic health tests, HIV tests and urine tests are performed. The nurses have to ask patients to bring their own urine cups as the clinic is still experiencing shortages of basic health care essentials.

The absence of a proper waiting room often leaves patients standing outside in the cold.

Poor service delivery at the clinic is further compounded by the unavailability of electricity, dysfunctional ablution facilities and poor handling of patient’s files.

Nurses are forced to use their own financial resources to buy basic items such as wet wipes for hygiene purposes.

While the Louisvale clinic improved in terms of procuring medication and its treatment of the elderly, it is still experiencing understaffing, a lack of proper medication and is manned by a doctor who struggles to communicate with patients.

Mr McGluwa says that the Health Department needs to step in and pay special attention to health care facilities in the poorer areas of the Northern Cape province.

“If we are to move forward, we cannot leave anyone behind especially those in the smaller communities. Only a DA-led government will ensure healthcare is prioritised in all corners of the province, to all people,” Mr McGluwa concluded.