MOTHERWELL residents finally took a stand and protested outside the NU8 Clinic last week after it had been closed for months, resulting in them having to travel longer distances to receive medical help.
This collective action showed the community’s frustration and urgency for accessible healthcare services.
The closure of the clinic, attributed to staff shortages, has severely affected the residents, leading to significant inconvenience and concern over the future of healthcare in the area, according to Eastern Cape Health Department spokesperson, Mkhululi Ndamase.
“The functioning of healthcare facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay, including Motherwell NU8 Clinic, has been negatively impacted by staff shortages, a situation exacerbated by resignations due to the two-pot pension system and escalating criminal activities,” Ndamase added.
In October of last year, the SAPS reported that criminals targeted the NU8 Clinic in Motherwell, where staff were robbed of their cellphones.
“Such incidents have not only disrupted services but have also placed tremendous strain on existing staff, making it difficult for them to serve the community effectively,” Ndamase said.
In response to these troubling conditions, the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW) in the Eastern Cape, alongside affected community members, demanded that the department provide answers and ensure the clinic’s reopening during the recent protests.
In an effort to combat these challenges, Ndamase said the department actively collaborated with communities and local leaders, including ward councillors, to raise awareness about the pervasive impact of crime on healthcare services.
The call was for communities to stand together in protecting health facilities and healthcare workers. Ndamase then urged that “when staff are too traumatised to work, it is ultimately the community that bears the brunt of the hardship.”
While the clinic is operational again, Ward 59 Councillor, Bulelani Matenjwa said the residents’ confidence in its continuity remains shaky.
The department has promised to fill vacancies within the current budgetary framework and assures the public that efforts are being made to address staff shortages swiftly.
“The matter of staff shortage in Gqeberha and other parts of the province is receiving our urgent attention.
“There are processes underway to consider options of ensuring that there are nurses to continue providing patient care to the communities of Gqeberha.”
As the department grapples with budget constraints, Ndamase appealed for patience and understanding of unions and community members.
“It is crucial to note that during any temporary closures of clinics, clients are directed to nearby facilities to ensure service continuity. The department has explained to staff and union leaders that because of budgetary constraints, it is currently not possible to fill all the vacancies. It is then surprising that there is a union that acts as if it is not aware of the budgetary constraints. To then personalise the budgetary constraints as if the HoD is responsible for it would be very unfortunate and uncalled for,” he concluded.
