A beacon of hope in a failing system

LAST week the Empangeni Clinic was described as a ‘model of excellence’ amid a largely ‘dismal’ provincial public healthcare system.

The brutal assertion by the Democratic Alliance during an oversight visit to the uMhlathuze clinic left a somewhat bitter-sweet aftertaste.

It was undeniably a moment of pride for local authorities as it proved that a high standard of medical care is being administered to communities by hardworking municipal nurses and staff.

It was even more noteworthy coming from the opposition party, who are usually quick to criticise apathetic public servants and shoddy service delivery.

The unannounced visit by the political party resulted in an impressive scorecard for the Empangeni clinic.

The clinic was spotless, with the cleaning company contracted adhering to specifications.

Housekeeping was good, employees were motivated, morale was high and absentee levels were low. Medical equipment was working and there was enough stock of medicines, including vaccines. The result was no queues and happy patients.

But surely this should be the case at every public health clinic in our district and South Africa. It is an indictment to have to praise people for doing a good job when good service should be the order of the day, every day.

The report card for the Empangeni clinic should be the standard at every KZN public health institution and not just a sought after benchmark. Walking into the local clinic, according to DA MPL Dr Imran Keeka, was a ‘breath of fresh air’ after the depressing visits to other facilities in the province.

Why can’t every clinic in KZN function in this optimal manner? It boils down to proper clinic management, quality staff and a will and passion to serve the people – the latter trait sadly lacking at local government level. Clinics in outlying rural and poorer communities are often the only option for healthcare.

Right

So the thought of poorly run clinics is a travesty of justice. Each South African has a right to proper healthcare.

While the positive assessment is a well-deserved feather in the cap for the local facility, it is hoped that the high standard is maintained once the Empangeni municipal clinic is taken over by the KZN Department of Health in January.

As per the assessment, such management deserves not only recognition, but duplication.

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.

In an environment where we are quick to criticise public servants for poor service, it is good to note that the best health service in KZN can be found here in Empangeni and that there are local public servants who exude the true spirit of Ubuntu.