By OBAKENG MAJE
Patients at Mothanthanyaneng clinic near Taung were left stranded as they could not relieve themselves at the healthcare facility due to lack of water. These patients said, they were forced to seek help from nearby houses to use ablution facilities.
According to one of the patients, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, it’s been more than a week since there is no water at the facility.
“I came to the clinic and wanted to use the ablution facilities, however, there was no water even to drink. We had to go to the nearest houses to request water or to use their toilets to relieve ourselves.
“I think urgent action is needed to improve services at this healthcare facility. We cannot live like this and it seems the clinic management is also not doing anything about it. Imagine, how older people copy about the whole situation?”
He said, in most cases, people spend almost the whole day at the clinic and this poses health risks.
Another patient said: “Adequate water, sanitation and hygiene are essential components of providing basic health services. However, that is non-existence at this clinic. We call on the North West Department of Health to intervene because the situation is hazardous.
“When you go to the toilets, you’ll find feaces exposed. It is so unfortunate to see lack of access to rudimentary levels of services. We expect a high level of services to be factored in at healthcare centres, but that is not the case at Mothanthanyane clinic. The situation is deteriorating significantly at this clinic and immediate actions are needed.”
She further said, the implications for health are severe and spread of infections in the very same place, in which patients are seeking care. According to the patient, the implications for dignity are also profound.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “I am struggling to get full details on what has transpired from our district manager Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. However, I will revert back to you with in-depth details.”
The Guardian 