Security Fears Close Mabandla Clinic in Kariega as Staff Refuse to Work Amidst Safety Concerns

The Mabandla Clinic in Kariega, Nelson Mandela Bay, is facing a critical shutdown as nurses and staff refuse to work following the theft of the clinic's fence on Wednesday night. The incident has sparked grave concerns for the safety of both the staff and their patients, leading to an immediate cessation of services.

The clinic, which is a crucial healthcare provider to approximately 500 patients a day, now stands inaccessible with patients being turned away by security personnel. A photo captures a pregnant woman being denied access, reflecting the dire situation for local residents in need of medical attention.

Sources from within Mabandla Clinic reveal that this move by the nursing staff is not due to a lack of commitment but a protest against the apparent negligence towards their safety. The absence of a fence leaves them vulnerable to potential criminal activities, which they claim could easily escalate, putting everyone at risk.

A nurse, requesting anonymity, emphasized their plight: "We demand our safety as well as patients' safety. It will be very easy for criminals to storm into this clinic and steal our bags, cellphone and laptops including those of patients." Previous incidents of theft have already heightened their fears.

The issues seem to have been long-standing, with reports indicating that the Department of Health had been informed about the security breaches since December. A steady pilfering of the fence over time left the facility completely exposed, and now the staff urges the department to take their grievances seriously.

Compounding the problem is the lack of running water at Mabandla Clinic, forcing nurses to turn to more primitive sanitation measures, as toilets remain non-functional and taps dry. This lack of basic infrastructure has placed additional strain on the clinic's operations and its ability to provide adequate care.

Samkelo Msila, the regional secretary of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union, expressed the union's awareness and serious concerns about the closure. They cited not only the compromised security of the institution but also the occupational health challenges as sources of worry.

In response to the crisis, Sizwe Kupelo, a spokesperson for the Provincial health department, assured that the department had dispatched a district delegation to address the issue promptly. Additionally, they engaged with a ward councillor to call for an urgent meeting with the community to discuss solutions. Kupelo stated, "In the meantime, patients who require primary healthcare will be assisted in nearby clinics while we seek urgent resolution of the problem."

The situation at Mabandla Clinic highlights the fragility of healthcare infrastructure and the critical need for a safe environment to provide essential services. Until a resolution is found, the clinic staff stand firm on their decision not to work, prioritizing their safety alongside that of their patients.

As the community awaits a resolution, the inaccessible clinic serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare workers and the vulnerability of health services to criminal threats. The situation calls for immediate and effective intervention to restore Mabandla Clinic as a secure haven for healthcare delivery.