Illegal woman’s health clinic raided in Ladanna
Department officials were accompanied by police officers to investigate and close the clinic that was operating without a licence.
POLOKWANE – The MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, led a raid on an illegal women’s health clinic in Ladanna on Thursday, 24 May.
During the raid, a foetal scope, belonging to the Department of Health, was confiscated as well as other equipment belonging to the state.
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Ramathuba said the clinic was ran by a professional nurse who was trained by the department but refused to serve the community in government healthcare facilities, rather opting to open her own practice for financial gain, not complying to the laws and bylaws.
“This clinic is illegal as it is not accredited by the Department of Health. Aside from the numerous complaints against the clinic made with the department, it was also worrisome to find equipment belonging to the state. This equipment was purchased by the department to help the people in communities but they were stolen by one of our own professionals, indirectly stealing from Limpopo’s people, denying them their basic right to healthcare services,” Ramathuba said.
She added the confiscated equipment was taken from Rethabile Clinic and has led to the clinic being unable to help patients due to the stolen equipment.
“We want to investigate what happens to the morals of the medical professionals we train as a department to care for our people. People who come to this illegal clinic have the money to pay for medical care which is essentially stolen from the poor when medical professionals steal state equipment to open their own practices for personal financial gain. We will continue to work with police to investigate the matter and bring the guilty parties to book, an example must be made.”
Ramathuba added this was not the only success the department had on Thursday as they also arrested two young males masquerading as doctors at Mankweng Hospital.
“We lose too many women to illegal street abortions from fake doctors. Contraceptives are free at state medical facilities, make use of this service and look after your health. We will continue to root out these illegal medical practices and fake doctors. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure the safety of our people, it is our responsibility to protect them,” Ramathuba said.
