Long lines and security issues highlighted during west clinic inspection
The facilities' infrastructural challenges were also noted and will be subject to budgetary allocations.
Service delivery, waiting times, and security concerns were three of the key issues observed by the Section 79 Health Oversight Committee during a recent surprise site visit to the Folang Clinic in Pretoria West.
The purpose of the visit was to obtain a first-hand look at the facility’s operational status and to better understand the challenges faced by residents and staff members.
Chairperson for the Section 79 Health Committee, Peggy de Bruin, said that the facility was clean, maintained, and had a fully-stocked pharmacy; however, room for improvement was also noted.
“We raised concerns regarding security measures at the entrance of the premises. During the visit, it was noted that vehicles were not thoroughly inspected upon entry. The absence of proper security checks, including the inspection of vehicle boots and personal belongings, poses potential safety risks to both patients and staff. Strengthened access control measures were recommended to safeguard all individuals on site,” De Bruin said.
Service delivery and waiting times were another issue observed as high volumes of patients strain the staff, and missed appointments further contribute to prolonged queuing.
Infrastructure and resource management require intervention, as the current premises’ original usage was for office purposes, and the layout is not conducive to healthcare services, as consultation rooms were noticeably small, which limits effective medical consultation.
De Bruin expressed appreciation to frontline healthcare workers for their continued dedication and commitment to serving the community under challenging conditions.
“Unannounced visits provide an authentic reflection of the state of our healthcare facilities. While I am encouraged by the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the staff at Folang Clinic, the infrastructural limitations cannot be overlooked. The committee will deliberate on these findings to ensure that necessary budgetary allocations and maintenance interventions are prioritised,” De Bruin said.
The committee also conducted an oversight visit to Lusaka Clinic in Mamelodi, as well as the Community-Oriented Substance Use Programme Centres in Ga-Rankuwa (Reatlegile) and Soshanguve M17.
These visits form part of the committee’s ongoing commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services and supporting community-based substance use programmes across the city.
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