Empangeni clinic sets benchmark
Empangeni municipal clinic lauded as a 'model of excellence' after DA oversight visit.
THE municipal clinic in Empangeni has been described as a ‘beacon of hope amid a largely dismal public healthcare system’.
This was the assessment by DA KZN health spokesperson and member of the provincial legislature, Dr Imran Keeka, following an oversight visit to the uMhlathuze clinic last week.
The unannounced visit by the opposition party showed that the clinic was ‘spotless’, with the cleaning company contracted reportedly adhering to specifications.
‘Housekeeping is good, employees are motivated, morale is high and absentee levels are low,’ Dr Keeka told the Zululand Observer.
‘Medical equipment is working and there is enough stock of medicines, including vaccines.
‘Importantly, the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) – designed to improve management of children at primary care level to reduce the number of deaths in children – is established. The result is no queues and happy patients,’ he said.
Keeka added that such management deserved not only recognition, but duplication.
‘This facility stands in stark contrast to the many other KZN public health institutions visited by the DA in recent months. Why can’t every clinic in KZN function in this optimal manner? The province should discuss with them what sets them apart from the rest.
‘We believe it is a question of proper clinic management, quality staff and a will to serve the people. Clinics serve a vital role, particularly in outlying and poorer communities. ‘They are often the only option,’ Keeka said.
The party has now called on KZN Health MEC, Sibongiseni Dhlomo, to adopt the Empangeni clinic as a ‘model of excellence’ that can be emulated across the province.
High standard
Responding to the positive assessment on Friday, uMhlathuze City Health Director, Ziphi Dladla, praised the municipal nurses for their hard work and dedication.
‘We are very excited and proud of our nurses. It proves that a high standard of medical care is administered to our local communities.
‘We hope that the same level of service is maintained by the KZN Department of Health after the takeover of municipal clinics next year. This assessment also shows that we are providing the best service in KZN that can be shared with the rest of the country,’ Dladla said.
From 1 January uMhlathuze municipal clinics will be officially taken over by the KZN Department of Health.
