Abigail Visagie
BLOEMFONTEIN – Information regarding the electricity shutdown at the Opkoms Clinic in Heidedal is still sketchy as the health facility remains without electricity for the fifth day, making it difficult for patients to access some of the services that they are supposed to receive.
This health facility is a one-stop shop that offers essential services to the Heidedal community and surrounding areas.
The facility offers pre- and postnatal support, it has a maternity ward and chronic patients are referred to this facility for illnesses which, amongst others, include hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and more. Has now entered a fourth day without electricity.
PHOTO: Lerato Mutlanyane
According to a member of the clinic committee, Jane Fitz, the situation is dire. She says this problem started on Tuesday morning and has been an ongoing crisis.
"This is such an inconvenience because nurses cannot access the patient files because this is done electronically," Fitz said.
She added that the security officer does not report for duty anymore because it is too dark.
“The Heidedal neighborhood watch now has to patrol and ensure that the facilities are safe.
Matshidiso Mapudi, a nurse at the clinic, explains that being in "dark city" makes it difficult for them to dispense asthma pumps, to take blood pressure, weigh adults and babies, and to give blood pressure results.
“At this point, we cannot even heat the rooms when the babies undress for their check-ups or even make a cup of tea in the cold. Said Mapudi.
A group of patients reached out to Journal News and alleged that they were being turned back home by staff members at the clinic because of the electricity situation.
These patients claim that nurses did not want to help them.
However, Spokesperson for the Department of Health, Mondli Mvambi, who confirmed that the clinic is without electricity, says no patient has been turned away from the facility.
“It is not true that patients are being turned away by our staff members.
“I visited the Opkoms health facility and I spoke to the staff members.
“I can confirm that no patient has been told to go back home without receiving assistance.
“Our technicians have discovered that the problem is non-payment of electricity, which is the responsibility of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure,” he said.
According to spokesperson of the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mlungisi Maqubela, the issue of electricity has been resolved, and the Opkoms Clinic will be switched on as it offers essential services to the community.
“This stems from a decision and engagements taken between the accounting officers from all the entities involved, Public Works and Infrastructure, Health, and Power distribution utility Centlec. ” Maqubela said.
But Spokesperson for Centlec Lele Mamatu says this incident has nothing to do with an account being in arrears, and that an investigation will be launched to reach a clear and concise conclusion.
This is a developing story.
