Patient says he had to buy receptionist a refreshment to secure consultation at Mankweng Hospital
Daniel Lelagane's story is but one of many stories highlighting the level of service rendered by public health care in the province.
POLOKWANE – Lelagane says he has become an outcast, is no longer sociable and is becoming partially blind. This, he said, is because of a growing lump on his eye that he has sought medical help for, with no success.
His story is but one of many stories highlighting the level of service rendered by public health care in the province.
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Lelagane said he first noticed the lump in August last year. After it turned into a sizeable growth by the beginning of the year, he visited Rethabile Clinic in the city, from where he was referred to Mankweng Hospital. On 13 February, it took the entire day for him to have a patient file opened, and he had to return the next day.
On 14 February, he underwent a CT scan. Shortly afterwards, he was informed that his patient file had gone missing. “I was given all the files at reception and told to go through them myself. I spent around six hours looking for it and I could not find it.” By the time he was done, it was the end of the business day and there was no one left to assist, according to Lelagane.
“I was exhausted and told myself I would just have to bear with this lump since no one was assisting me.”
He told BONUS it is thanks to his employer that he was convinced to return and get the help he needs. “My employer would give me painkillers, and told me to try again to be assisted.” Lelagane opted to return to Rethabile Clinic instead, where he was once again referred back to Mankweng.
“When I went back, I was able to secure a consultation after paying yet another administration fee. I also had to buy refreshments for the receptionist to secure this consultation. On 15 July, I was again taken for a CT scan and told to return on 19 July for the results.”
On this day, he spent six hours waiting in the reception area, he told BONUS. “When the doctor finally came to see me, he didn’t give me the outcome of the scan. He simply said we need to schedule a biopsy.”
The procedure was scheduled and done on 1 August and, upon returning on 8 August to receive the results as he was instructed, nothing came of it. In the meantime, Lelagane said he no longer enjoys the freedom to appear in public, since he has become a “laughing stock”.
“I have had this lump for a year now and it is growing bigger by the day. I have little sight left in my eye and have adapted to being partially blind.
Contacted for comment, Health Spokesperson Neil Shikwambana requested the patient’s details for an investigation to be launched.
