“There was never a strike” says Health Department
This is after Lim Emergency Medical Services (EMS) employees downed tools over a lack of proper equipment.
POLOKWANE – The Department of Health has confirmed the need of equipment, but denied there was strike action.
The needed equipment includes oxygen regulators, bag valve masks, electrocardiography machines, suction units to remove foreign objects, and blood pressure (BP) monitors to check vitals, to name a few.
Department of Health Spokesperson, Derick Kganyago, said: “Everything is in order and the personnel are working, there was never a strike. We are in the process of procuring the necessary equipment as soon as possible”.
Despite this assurance, when the ambulance services were phoned on the day in question, it was said there are no ambulance services available for the public.
According to a source within EMS, who wants to remain anonymous due to fear of vindication, the personnel are working but they still lack the necessary equipment.
“As we do not have fully equipped ambulances it poses a serious risk to the health and safety of the patients we attend to.
“Over the past three years we have continuously reported the shortage of equipment to the Department of Health to no avail,” the source said.
