LIMPOPO – Following Hosi Mahumani’s, the traditional leader of Nkomo village, request for Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego to assess the conditions of healthcare facilities in his area, there is now a promising outlook for both Xikhumba and Nkomo clinics.

The chief was frustrated by the poor service at the two clinics, the refusal of nurses to meet with him when summoned to his palace, and the fact that both clinics had discontinued their night services introduced by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba during her tenure as Health MEC.

During a recent cultural event in his village attended by both provincial and national leaders, Hosi Mahumani seized the opportunity to call for intervention at the two clinics in his area. He specifically requested that the Health MEC personally witness the challenging conditions at the clinics.

In response, Mashego visited the clinics on Monday.

She assessed the situation firsthand, observing significant challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, staff shortages, and limited resources, all of which have hindered the clinics’ ability to provide quality healthcare to the local community.

As a result, the Department of Health has committed to addressing these issues by implementing much-needed upgrades, expanding healthcare services, and ensuring that both clinics are better equipped to serve the residents of Xikhumba and Nkomo.

“About the Xikhumba Clinic, we have agreed that starting tomorrow, our department’s maintenance team will visit the facility to assess the areas that need attention. We will begin with maintenance work, particularly on the shelves in the dispensary room, as well as addressing the issue of the fence, which has been identified as one of the key challenges,” explained the MEC.

However, regarding the full renovation of the Xikhumba Clinic, which has fallen into significant disrepair, the MEC stated that her department would allocate money for the renovation in the next financial year.

“We have agreed that money will be made available in the next financial year to begin the renovation of the Xikhumba Clinic,” she said.

As for the Nkomo Clinic, the MEC announced that they have decided to reinstate its 24-hour service within two weeks. “We will increase staff to ensure that the clinic can resume providing 24-hour services,” she added.

Hosi Mahumani is hopeful that the MEC’s intervention will lead to better healthcare service for his community. “The MEC is highly commended for her response as she has shown a serious commitment to improving healthcare conditions for my people.

“She supports the principle that no one should be denied access to emergency health services, so I believe her intervention will bring positive change to the communities in my area,” he said, appealing to all government leaders not to take for granted the people that have voted them into power.

“Our government is a government of the people and by the people. Leaders are leaders because of the people, and delivering services should not be seen as doing the electorate a favour.

“It is about using the allocated budget to serve the interests of the people.

“Together, united as royal leaders, community leaders, and public office bearers or politicians, we can promote the welfare and well-being of our communities. Service delivery is a key means to transform lives, ensure sustainable livelihoods, and restore the dignity of our people,” he said.