Queues at clinic before sunrise

GEORGE NEWS - Thembalethu Clinic patients start queueing before sunrise in the hope of being served before the day is over. There are sometimes two queues: one for patients who stood over from the day before so that they can be prioritised, and a second for those whose first attempt it is to be served.

David Sicelo Nongogo, a patient who fetches his medication at the clinic on a monthly basis, says like many others he has had to return a second day to be given his medication.

"People start queueing from just after 05:00 in the mornings. It has never been like that. In the past I would be out of the clinic by 15:00 or 16:00, with my medication in hand.

"This is a nightmare for people who work, because how do you explain to your employer you need two days off work just to collect your medication? This is especially sad for the elderly. I have heard that there is shortage of staff."

According to the Western Cape's Health and Wellness district spokesperson, Nadia Ferreira, there has been no change in the system for appointments and medicine collection for chronic patients at the clinic.

There is a chronic appointment system and an acute appointment system. Patients who are on chronic medication are seen on an appointment basis.

"They receive their next appointment date while still at the clinic and are also informed of when their medicine is ready for collection. One of the main reasons for appointments is to reduce waiting times for patients and especially those who work. These appointments are made in two-hour time slots so that patients do not have to wait as long."

Clients who visit the clinic without an appointment - in acute cases - will be triaged according to the severity of their illness or condition and seen when appropriate.

"Some days are busier than others, hence we sometimes ask that patients come back the following day. The elderly, very sick and children under five are always seen the same day.

"We realise that patients might miss appointments and ask that they reschedule," says Ferreira.

Patients may contact the clinic on 044 814 1500/1 to make an appointment or they can make an appointment at the front desk.

Budget cuts

The impact of budget cuts on the Western Cape's public health services is very real, according to Provincial Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo.

She said the Western Cape Health Department is facing a shortfall of R807,87m in its 2024/2025 budget following cuts made by National Treasury.

The percentage allocation to the Western Cape from National Treasury has decreased, whereas the province's population and burden of disease are increasing.

She said between 2023/24 and 2024/25, the department's allocation has increased by only 2,5% to R30,489bn, but inflation is 5,3% and the medical sector inflation rate has been 6,5%.

"Owing to these inflation rates being larger than the increase in our budget allocation, it means that the department is experiencing a real decrease in its budget and has had to absorb the costs of rising inflation."

Mbombo issued a statement last week after visiting Mossel Bay on Tuesday 19 March, where she engaged with public health stakeholders in the district regarding the implications of the budget shortfall.

She said at the end of 2023, the department had a total of 34 979 funded posts of which 33 021 were filled, equating to 94,5% of posts filled. "Because of the budgetary pressures, the 1 958 vacant posts have now become unfunded."

The department will continue with its cost-saving interventions, service prioritisation and redesign. "Districts will have to make wise choices in terms of prioritising the filling of vacant posts and will have to be cognisant of the fiscal framework in which the country is operating."

Queueing from early on at the Thembalethu Clinic.