The Democratic Alliance (DA) is outraged by yet another armed robbery targeting healthcare workers, this time at the NU 8 clinic in Motherwell. On the very day that the Eastern Cape Legislature’s Health Portfolio Committee met to discuss the many challenges facing the healthcare sector in Nelson Mandela Bay, the clinic’s staff were held at gunpoint and robbed of their cell phones.
This latest incident has left healthcare workers severely traumatised and further exposed the growing safety crisis in our public healthcare facilities.
This attack is part of a disturbing and increasing trend of violence against healthcare workers in the district. It is unacceptable that clinics, which are often the only access point to healthcare for our most vulnerable communities, are becoming hotspots for crime. These incidents are directly impacting healthcare service delivery, putting both staff and patients at risk, and exacerbating the strain on an already overstretched system.
The safety of clinic staff and patients was a key topic of discussion at the meeting, and it is now more urgent than ever for the Department of Health and other relevant stakeholders to take immediate action. Our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are facing similar challenges, with many teams unable to access certain areas without police escorts. Yet, even SAPS is severely under-resourced, making the situation even more dire.
I will be writing to the MEC for Health, Ntandokazi Capa, to request an urgent meeting of all stakeholders. This meeting must develop an effective contingency plan to address the rampant crime that is crippling our healthcare facilities.
A Whole-of-Society approach is needed, one that includes representation from the Department of Health, SAPS, Social Development, COGTA, and the private sector. Only through a coordinated effort can we ensure that these criminals are brought to justice and that healthcare services can be safely provided to all residents.
This approach is equally crucial to protect our healthcare and EMS workers, who are already suffering from budgetary constraints and severe staff shortages. The current security measures in place at these facilities are clearly inadequate, and a thorough assessment of the failings of these security services must be undertaken.
Access to healthcare is a constitutional right. The DA, together with our stakeholder partners, will continue to fight for the right of every citizen to receive healthcare without the fear of violence. We will not stand by while criminals hold our public healthcare system hostage.