Welkom Labour Centre inspectors closed the clinic on Monday (5/5) because of employees’ and patients’ exposure to health hazards.

The services that were rendered at Lusaka Clinic and its staff had to be relocated to the nearby Masilo Clinic, which also has its challenges in the form of water scarcity. “Unfortunately, some of our health facilities have been targeted by individuals or groups engaging in criminal activities, such as vandalism, theft, and violence,” said Free State Department of Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi.

“The Lusaka Clinic in Theunissen was broken into about four times between mid-December and January, and had to be closed due to the extent of physical damage caused to the facility.”

The nature and extent of the damage were indicative that it was not theft but vandalism aimed at disrupting the provision of essential public services and discrediting the government, he said.

The National Department of Labour emphasised that the clinic would remain closed until the provincial Department of Health addressed these issues to the satisfaction of the inspectors and that the clinic would be safe to be occupied by employees and patients.

The clinic was closed by Welkom Labour Centre inspectors. Photo supplied

A formal notice was issued last month by the labour department after an inspection, which then led to the closure of the clinic, and it should only be opened when repairs have been done by the Department of Health.

“As a temporary measure, all patients from Lusaka and the surrounding areas were advised to make use of Masilo Clinic,” said ward Cllr Ernest Putsoenyane. 

“However, the Masilo clinic is also facing its challenges, whereby the water pump was also vandalised and electrical wiring was stolen. As a temporary measure, the municipality is providing water to the clinic.”

The Department of Health is working on plans to ensure that all the clinics in the area continue to function properly with the Masilonyana Municipality, local businesses and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

The municipality, police and the local community have also done their utmost best to lend a hand in the protection of Masilo Clinic against any vandalism, said Mvambi.

“We urge all community members to join hands in protecting our health facilities from any form of criminal activity.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh