Closing of clinic due to violence slammed

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 3 2016 HEALTH MEC Nomafrench Mbombo has expressed concern at the ongoing gang violence in different parts of the city, saying the spate of violence deprived the most vulnerable who need to gain access to health services.

Mbombo, who promised to visit areas hardest hit by gang violence, reacted after two security guards at Elsies River community health centre were stabbed this week.

This week, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) announced that its ambulances would not be transporting any patients to that facility due to gang violence that erupted on Sunday night.

Two security guards were stabbed inside the premises with one suffering a head injury.

Operations to the facility were then suspended for two nights.

But the move to suspend services has been criticised by the Tygerberg District Health Forum, which labelled it a “cowardly” decision.

Graham Lindhorst, the forum’s chairman, said Mbombo took the decision to suspend services without consulting the community.

“We don’t agree with the department’s decision to suspend services. It’s cowardly and irresponsible of the government to take such decisions without even discussing it with the affected community.

“Why must vulnerable people who are not a threat to ambulance services suffer because of a gangfight?

“By suspending services it’s like giving control of this community to gangs… it’s wrong.”

Lindhorst said authorities should implement visible policing in gang-infested areas.

Mbombo said her department had set aside over R175 million in the current financial year to provide security at health facilities.

Almost R186m was committed for the coming financial year.

“However, throwing astronomical sums of money at the problem is not the silver bullet to what is a societal problem.

“Sustained community support in the fight against the spread of drugs and gangsterism is needed to safeguard our communities and facilities providing access to essential health services,” she said.