DEAR Editor,-
An unannounced visit by the DA to the Port Shepstone Mortuary last Tuesday revealed that the facility’s x-ray equipment has been broken for several months. This after it was loaned to eThekwini’s Gale Street mortuary.
The device now no longer works, nor have any arrangements been made to certify it as safe for use after transport – which is a basic requirement. In the interim, bodies requiring x-rays are being sent from Port Shepstone to eThekwini. Not only is this causing delays for families who wish to lay loved ones to rest, it is also delaying vital forensic evidence such as locating bullets in gunshot victims for ballistics purposes. All urgent postmortem examinations that require x-rays are also being delayed.
The DA is deeply concerned by this discovery. Following the visit, I immediately wrote to KZN’s Health Department requesting that the matter be urgently investigated and that the x-ray equipment be fixed. Yesterday I received confirmation that it would be ‘looked into’.
This is not good enough. The DA expects a response from KZN Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo, who must treat this situation as urgent. He must also explain why the machine was loaned to Gale Street mortuary in the first place and why it has taken a DA oversight visit for this matter to be prioritised.
On the positive side, the DA found that the Port Shepstone mortuary was a clean, well-run facility with other equipment in working order. Staff were present and courteous and showed members of the public the compassion required given the position they work in. The people of KZN need a caring government. This is especially relevant in the health sector. In this case, the needs of the bereaved must be met.
IMRAN KEEKA
MPL, DA
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