THE Eastern Cape Department of Health recently announced the temporary closure of the KwaZakhele Clinic in Nelson Mandela Bay, citing safety concerns. This decision followed reports from community members about potential criminal activities targeting the facility.
The clinic ceased operation after healthcare workers were informed of the possible threats. Patients who usually receive primary healthcare services from KwaZakhele Clinic were redirected to nearby facilities.
The department strongly condemned the targeting of healthcare facilities and workers, expressing their gratitude to the community for alerting healthcare workers about the potential crime. The department said this timely warning has undoubtedly saved the workers from potential harm and trauma.
The department collaborated with law enforcement agencies to assess the situation, before deciding on the reopening of the clinic.
A nurse, who has chosen to remain anonymous, shared her thoughts on the situation.
“I’ve been working at the clinic for over a year. We were messaged by our manager after getting instructions from the district office. The patients will be greatly affected as they have to travel further for healthcare, but they will be accommodated at the other nearby clinics. Staff has been notified to report to other clinics until the issue has been sorted,” she said.
“We get invested in the well-being of our patients, so not being able to see their progress for now can be worrying,” the nurse added.
The department assured the public that they took all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of both healthcare workers and patients.
“The department sympathises with the affected community by the temporary closure, but the move was taken because of safety concerns. We always strive to ensure that there are clinics within a 5km radius,” said the Media Liaison Officer of the Eastern Cape Department of Health, Mkhululi Ndamase.
“Patients being directed to go to nearby facilities was also to ensure that there is service continuity.
“It is also important to note that our facilities are gun-free zones, so adding more security guards will not mean the ruthless and armed criminals who target our facilities won’t continue.
“However, the department has beefed up security at facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay by installing CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and appropriate fencing.”
After SAPS reported that there was no credible threat of crime in KwaZakhele in the last se-ven days, the clinic was reopened on Friday, September 6. Ndamase cautioned people not to spread fake news and misinformation that may lead to the closure of government facilities such as clinics.
