Lives Endangered by 'Sabotage' at Douglas Health Centre, Department Warns

The Northern Cape Department of Health has strongly criticized what they termed "acts of vandalism" at the Douglas Community Health Centre (CHC), stating that these actions are putting patients' lives at risk.

Last week, the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) pointed out several issues at the facility, such as inadequate supplies of food, water, linens, and diesel.

The Minister of Health, Maruping Lekwene, toured the facility on Tuesday and denounced "reports that were misleading and led to unwarranted public concern."

Sheila McCloen, who serves as the district director for the Department of Health in thePixley ka Seme area, stated that the oxygen pipelines at the facility had been set ablaze, leading to an interruption in the oxygen supply.

“The CHC is faced with serious malicious acts, where the pipes that supply water and oxygen to the facility are being tampered with. This is causing further frustration to operations at the CHC and compromising the quality of services,” said McCloen.

She mentioned that they were waiting for the result of a police inquiry into the manipulation of hospital facilities.

"We are presently utilizing portable oxygen devices. These harmful actions are jeopardizing the safety of patients," she stated.

McCloen mentioned that a nearby vendor delivers meals to the hospital every week.

This is done to prevent waste and stop the vegetables from spoiling.

She indicated that the problems with the water supply were connected to the functioning of local authorities, which had impacted the whole town.

"The water supply has been reinstated. Additionally, we have 25-liter containers available for toilet flushing, as well as for drinking and handwashing needs for both staff and patients," stated McCloen.

She mentioned that because of insufficient water pressure, the linens were sent to the laundry in Griekwastad once every two days.

“She mentioned that they acquire diesel in Douglas to run the generator during power outages.”

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