- The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has defended the closure of Nomzamo clinic, citing urgent structural repairs, and assured that limited services are still available on the ground floor.
- A resident, Barbara, expressed concern over the closure, saying it puts people’s lives in danger.
- The department has directed patients to seek alternative care at nearby facilities, such as Gustrow CDC or Strand CDC, for services not available at Nomzamo clinic.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has defended the move to close the Nomzamo clinic and said limited services were available from Monday 2 September.
This was in response to a concern raised by a resident that the closure put people’s lives in danger.
A resident who identified herself as Barbara said she became aware of the closure when she accompanied her nephew on Wednesday 4 September. He had allegedly been stabbed by the criminals.
On her arrival, she was referred to the Strand Community Day Centre (CDC), which is approximately 5 km away. While she walked to the clinic, she had to take a taxi to the CDC.
“The problem with the Strand clinic is a bit far. I had to take public transport because I didn’t have money to hire a car. And I was concerned about my nephew’s well being because one of the stab wounds was in the chest but I made it,” she said.
She urged the department to speed up on revamping the clinic. She said the facility manager should have put a notice at public spaces like the taxi ranks or shopping centres.
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Spokesperson for the department Abulele Dyasi said due to the urgent structural repairs at Nomzamo clinic services that are available on the ground floor are for tuberculosis, chronic clubs, social worker, psychology and counselling only. “Services that are not available are acute care (services for sick patients), emergency care, child health, antenatal and post-natal care, mental health, wound care and physiotherapy. The patients are urged to go to Gustrow CDC or Strand CDC or other facilities of their choice for these services until further notice,” she said, adding that wellness service will continue at Nomzamo Wellness Centre.
Dyasi stated that they expect the construction to be completed by December.
However, she said the timeline will depend on the contractor and the extent of structural damage.
