The Inkatha Freedom Party demands that the Eastern Cape MEC for Health Dr Phumza Dyantyi must inform the public what contingency plans she has put in place for the speedy requisition and delivery of crutches as there is dire shortage of them at Port Elizabeth’s Livingstone Hospital as the institution needs about 5 000 pairs.
“The shortage of crutches is outrageous because this proves that someone has failed to do his/her job of ensuring that there is always a stock of such critical resources. The blame lies with those in the supply chain and procurement departments. They must be held accountable. One wonders how patients with injuries who require crutches will manage their day-to-day lives. This must be answered by the Health MEC as the leader of the Department and the hospital management.
This is an indication that the MEC does not conduct oversight visits and has left the hospital management and the Head of Department with no oversight. It is obvious that the hospital management has failed to perform their allotted duties and are not hands on in monitoring what is happening at such a critical public facility,” said IFP National Health Spokesperson, Hon Ms Sibongile Nkomo MP.
“We appeal to people that once they have recovered and no longer need crutches, they should return them to the hospital so that they can be appropriately cleaned and used to help other patients who need them. It’s also really important that people realise that, by returning their crutches it means that money can be saved for spending on other vital equipment and services,” continued Hon Ms Nkomo.
“Eastern Cape health care is crumbling as the province struggles with critical shortages of equipment and specialist staff such as occupational therapists and physiotherapists. These issues need to be addressed as a matter of urgency,” concluded Hon Ms Nkomo.
Issued by:
IFP Spokesperson on Health
Hon Ms Sibongile Nkomo MP
076 553 1240