Sir – The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on KwaZulu-Natal’s Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu to urgently increase security measures at the province’s health facilities, or face an exodus of healthcare professionals and a further decline in patient services.
The call comes after yet another incident of shocking violence, when a nurse was allegedly raped in a consulting room at the Nkonjeni Hospital in Mahlabathini on Sunday. This after an unknown individual arrived at the hospital during the late afternoon, pretending to seek medical assistance. By the time the police arrived, the suspect had already fled.
The DA stands with the woman concerned. We sincerely hope SAPS will do everything in its power to apprehend the suspect. The issue of violence within KZN’s health facilities is of grave concern to the DA.
Last month, I wrote to MEC Simelane-Zulu and her HOD, Sandile Tshabalala to request the issue of the safety of healthcare workers be prioritised after an incident at KwaMsane Clinic in Northern KZN, during which two nurses were allegedly assaulted.
Dundee Hospital had an incident some time ago where a senior nurse was attacked in the parking lot of the hospital by a patient and hijacked of her car – very traumatising. Despite the seriousness of the situation, we are yet to receive any response either from the MEC or her HOD and the situation remains unchanged.
The question is, why is nothing being done, and how can the MEC now express her shock and concern at this latest incident, when she herself has the power to effect the change needed?
This was not the first time the DA has highlighted this scourge. We have made numerous calls in the past to former MEC [Mbongiseni] Dhlomo and his department for the implementation of greater security measures at both hospitals and clinics. We have also called for increased security measures for those who work within Emergency Medical Services (EMS), following incidents of ambulances being hijacked and paramedics being victims of violence too.
Where the DA governs in the Western Cape, there is a coordinated security plan for all health facilities to prevent such attacks. This includes liaison between the facility, SAPS, security companies and the surrounding community.
To begin with here in KZN, the MEC and her department must:
– Ensure there are sufficient security personnel at entrances to health facilities, so that proper searches for concealed weapons can take place,
– Ensure such security officers are able to prevent anyone from escaping in the event of a crime and that they have the power to make a citizen’s arrest.
The time has come for KZN’s political and community leaders to take a stand and to call for a ‘whole of society’ approach to deal with such incidents, which are ultimately a manifestation of the violence within our society. Our hospitals must be places of healing and care – not places where healthcare workers and patients run the risk of being robbed, assaulted and even raped.
Dr Rishigen Viranna, MPL – DA KZN Spokesperson on Health
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