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BCM Clinics Infrastructure Upgrades Must Be Prioritised

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape is concerned by the deepening humanitarian crisis at clinics in East London, where desperate residents face challenges accessing their fundamental right to healthcare.

The conditions facing Buffalo City clinics are profoundly worrying. Dedicated staff are operating in crumbling, unsafe structures and makeshift containers that are on the brink of collapse. Medical staff shortages, a lack of essential supplies such as Automated Electronic Defibrillators, and fencing and security shortcomings, place the health and safety of both staff and patients in jeopardy.

Today, I joined Jane Cowley, MPL, the DA Eastern Cape Shadow MEC for Health, and dedicated local DA councillors to conduct urgent oversight inspections at the Beacon Bay, Drake Road (Nahoon), Westbank, Greenfields, and Mpongo clinics.

[See photos here, here, here and here.]

At the Greenfields clinic, we found patients who were forced to wait in long queues, exposed to harsh weather conditions, and without a sheltered waiting area.

The challenges experienced across the clinics include some clinics operating erratically and opening only on some days. Most problematically, we encountered poor infrastructure, crumbling buildings and clinics that had simply outgrown their facilities. These clinics are simply unable to keep up with the increase in patients requiring their services.

We cannot allow our community to suffer in silence. I will write to the Premier to demand an immediate and thorough investigation into violations of patients’ rights in BCM.

In tandem, Jane Cowley, MPL, will also write to the MEC for Health, insisting on clear timelines for the construction of new clinics or, at the very least, the rapid deployment of improved temporary structures. It is also vital that these clinics be prioritised for critical maintenance and repair.

The DA is committed to finding solutions to this dire situation. Staff and patients in our clinics deserve adequately equipped and maintained clinics that are able to provide the services our patients deserve.

Regards

Leander Kruger MPL
Buffalo City Constituency Leader

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