Foreigners denied access to Nellmapius clinics
Angry residents claim they are not xenophobic, but that the foreigners are hogging the resources, overworking the medical staff up to the point where locals are turned away.
Community members are blocking foreign nationals from entering almost all Tshwane local clinics.
The angry residents say they are not xenophobic, but are denying foreigners access, claiming they overcrowd clinics and prevent locals from getting the healthcare they deserve.
The hostile action started in Nellmapius on July 14, and residents promised they would be moving to other clinics in Mamelodi, including the Mamelodi Regional Hospital.
“Hundreds of foreign nationals are overcrowding our clinics almost every day, which leads to the locals being turned away and told to come back the following day,” said a resident, Emma Tau.
Tau claimed the foreign nationals had their own system of queuing by placing stones and letting others jump the queue.
“The locals have to stand in long queues the whole day, and by the time they reach the point to get the medical healthcare that they desperately need, they are turned away or told there is no medication,” said Tau.
Another resident, Caroline Mlambo, said the foreign nationals always arrive earlier than the locals.
“When the clinic opens, there are hundreds of them in front, which leads to doctors and nurses being overworked before they can attend to the locals,” said Mlambo.
“We are simply fighting for our rights to get healthcare. We are only targeting illegal foreigners who are taking our medications back to their countries.
“These foreigners not only consume our medication but exhaust our resources, starting by overworking our nurses and doctors. But if you go to their own countries and seek medical care, you will be forced to go to a private clinic or hospital,” complained Mlambo.
Mlambo said there is no way local Nellmapius patients can wake up at ‘ungodly hours’ to walk the streets, just for the sake of being ahead of the ever-present foreigners in the queue at the local clinic.
Another resident, Reuben Kekae, explained they don’t have a problem with foreigners.
“The police and home affairs immigration officers should also come and do their work by checking their documents because we believe majority of foreigners coming to the clinic are undocumented.”
Pinky Madiba claimed that since they started the campaign, residents are happy because they no longer spend hours at the clinic.
“We only spend less than two to three hours at the clinic because we don’t have foreigners at the clinics and doctors and nurses are no longer overworked.”
She said they check their IDs or ask normal questions, greeting a person. “We catch them very fast because of their accents.”
Other residents added that the campaign has made their lives easier as they no longer have to wake up in the early hours. There are also no shortage of medication and no turning away of patients.
Rose Moyo, a foreigner who was turned away earlier this week at Phahameng clinic in Mamelodi East, said it was unfair.
“I came to the clinic to get my chronic medication and a check-up, but sadly I was turned away,” said Moyo.
Moyo said there is nothing she can do when a crowd of people is blocking the entrance to the clinic.
She said there is nothing she could do but try other clinics or hospitals because her life depends on her chronic medication.
Rekord approached the Tshwane metro for a response and was directed to a previous statement made by the MMC for Health Tshegofatso Mashabela, relating to an incident at another clinic in April.
In the statement, Mashabela condemned residents denying access to patients based on their nationality.
Mashabela said denying a person medical care based on their nationality is not only unlawful, but it goes against the very essence of compassion and humanity that should underpin our healthcare system.
“Healthcare is a fundamental human right that must be accessible to all individuals without discrimination or barriers.
“In accordance with our laws and ethical principles, we are duty-bound to provide medical care to anyone who seeks our assistance, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
“Those who seek to sow division and discrimination by targeting vulnerable populations at our healthcare facilities will face the full extent of the law.
“We will not tolerate any actions that seek to undermine the universal right to healthcare and will take decisive action to protect the well-being and dignity of all individuals in our care,” warned Mashabela.
“If you wish to address issues related to immigration status, you must do so through the appropriate legal channels and government authorities, such as the Department of Home Affairs.”
She said our healthcare facilities are not the place for enforcing immigration policies or discriminating against individuals based on their nationality.
“I urge all individuals to respect the sanctity of our clinics as safe spaces where every person, regardless of their background, can seek medical help without fear or discrimination.
”We are committed to upholding the values of compassion, inclusivity and respect in all aspects of our healthcare services, and we will not waver in our dedication to providing quality care to every individual who comes to us in need.”
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