Section of newly built Bethal Hospital will be used as Covid-19 treatment centre

BETHAL – The department of health informed the Ridge Times that some of the units of the hospital will be used for isolation purposes for positive and suspected cases of Covid-19.

Ms Sesekani Manzini, MEC for Health, and her delegation met the workers to discuss the matter on Tuesday, 5 May.

The workers were allegedly opposed to the matter and raised their concerned to Ms Manzini.

The newspaper was reliably informed that the meeting did not end well and workers did not agree with Ms Manzini.

The meeting ended in chaos with the workers singing revolutionary songs.

Police were summoned to assist with the situation.

Const Thomas Mogadime, police spokesman, confirmed that police received the complaint from the hospital and that they swiftly responded.

“On arrival, the workers were singing and dancing.

“We were informed they were unhappy that some of the units in the hospital will be used for Covid-19 patients.

“We managed to calm the situation and escorted the department’s leadership from the venue.

“No one was harmed or injured and no case was opened,” said Const Mogadime.

Residents have also raised concern over the capacity of the hospital to handle Covid-19 cases.

They fear the virus will quickly spread in the area.

Locals alleged the hospital is struggling to deliver services on a daily basis and doubt if it will be able to contain the spread of the virus.

They said the department should have engaged them before taking this decision.

Mr Dumisani Malamule, spokesman for the department, said discussions with the staff regarding the matter are still underway.

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