LIMPOPO – Limpopo’s Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego has urged nurses at Nkomo Clinic to prioritise humanity and compassion when serving patients, ensuring that everyone who seeks help receives the best possible care and experience.

Speaking on Tuesday during a ceremonial event to reinstate the clinic to operate 24 hours, the MEC emphasised the importance of kindness, empathy, and genuine care when interacting with patients.

“You must serve them with love. We understand that you have unions and workplace policies that protect you, but if you serve someone with love, you will prioritise helping them even if it means postponing your lunch and returning to it later,” she said.

The reinstatement of a 24-hour service at Nkomo Clinic follows an intervention by Hosi Mahumani.

This service, initially introduced by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba during her tenure as Health MEC, was abruptly discontinued due to alleged staff shortages.

In response to numerous complaints from the community about the need for this service, Hosi Mahumani invited the current Health MEC to a meeting last month. During the meeting, the MEC committed to reinstating the 24-hour service and addressing other critical issues necessary to ensure the clinic’s capacity to provide around-the-clock care.

“The reinstatement of 24-hour service at this clinic is not a temporary measure; this service will be permanently available, ensuring that our people can access it whenever they need it,” said the MEC, citing an example of a woman returning home late from work to find that her child has a fever and needs immediate medical attention.

“Just imagine coming home from work to find your child with a high fever, and the person you left them with didn’t take it seriously. Now, you can rest assured knowing that you can handle it yourself and still be able to go to work in the morning,” she said.

Meanwhile, Hosi Mahumani welcomed the MEC’s reinstatement of the 24-hour service at the clinic, saying it will go a long way in ensuring that his people receive better care.

“By fulfilling your promise, you have demonstrated that this is a government for the people, by the people, and I am confident that my people will receive the service they deserve,” he said.

Hosi Mahumani praised the cleanliness of the clinic but he cautioned the MEC that some hospitals in the province are not as neat, clean or welcoming as one might expect.