Newcastle residents demand better health care
Since being converted into a mother and childcare facility, Maharaj says many have paid the ultimate price and lays the blame at the feet of the Department of Health.
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Newcastle residents are petitioning for more services at Newcastle Provincial Hospital (NPH).
The petition, a copy of which is in possession of the Newcastle Advertiser, is currently being circulated to businesses and residents requesting as many signatures as possible.
One of its demands is a full-time emergency unit with full-time doctors.
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The form is said to have been drawn up by Member of the Provincial Legislature, Dr Imran Keeka, and is being circulated by volunteers, including Mona Maharaj.
“We are community workers,” explains Maharaj. “Our numbers are always published so people contact us in emergencies.”
Maharaj says she receives many late-night calls from residents who are in desperate need of medical assistance, but instead are instructed to visit Madadeni Provincial Hospital (MPH).
There is not even provision to stabilise critical emergency patients at NPH.
Since being converted into a mother and childcare facility, Maharaj says many have paid the ultimate price and lays the blame at the feet of the Department of Health.
“It is so sad because many don’t have means to reach MPH so they suffer and sometimes die.”
After receiving guidance from the medical profession, the petition was drawn up and once enough signatures are gathered a protest march could follow.
Maharaj says this is a fight for every state health care patient: “We feel heart sore for people who die trying to access state health services. We want their voices to be heard; the government needs to listen to the voice of our community.”
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Maharaj adds the petition has been well received thus far, and says a public meeting will be arranged once the minimum number of signatures are collected.
She can be reached on 073 756 2480 for more details.
The Newcastle Advertiser has contacted both the management of NPH and the Newcastle Department of Health regarding the petition and the demands of residents.
Both institutions failed to respond by the time of going to print. Reporters did manage to speak with MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo however, who is now aware of the situation, although he deferred the matter to NPH for response.
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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
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