DURBAN - Patients were left furious and unattended outside the main gate after the Ntuzuma Clinic staff downed tools on Wednesday.
Staff protested over ongoing concerns due to violent attacks, intimidation, hijackings and robberies they allege they have endured on the premises and around the area.
This comes after a clinic worker, who is also the driver, and two caregivers were allegedly ambushed while on duty on Wednesday working outside the clinic.
The clinic’s healthcare worker, who asked not to be named, said her colleagues were doing their daily visits to households when they were attacked.
She said: “Around 10.30, the driver came in injured, and he was bleeding heavily. He was covered in blood. I couldn't tell where he was stabbed. I was so shocked. He didn’t say much, but he did mention that it looked like the attackers were trying to hijack them around the area.”
She said they had raised their concerns with the management about working outside the clinic. However, no security has been provided for their safety.
She further stated that they were tired of being on the traumatic receiving end while caring for people.
“Our role is to provide extra help for people who cannot come to the clinic for help. People with disabilities, elderly or patients with mental disorders. We also visit homes to educate people about diseases and support. But how do we keep helping the same people who are abusing us for their own benefit? Should we be hurt for helping? It is unfortunate that our safety is always at risk whilst serving these communities,” She said.
Londeka Dambuza, who had come to the clinic with her daughter, Ikhona, three-months-old, said she was worried her baby would get worse if they did not get help.
Dambuza said she was waiting outside the gate in the rain for over six hours.
“We were one of the few who came in early to prevent long queues because my baby is in pain. I had hoped she would be better once the nurses have seen her. Little did I know we only come here to freeze and stand in the rain for hours without help,” said Dambuza.
She said she would have gone to other clinics or the doctor, but they would need the child’s card, which was inside the clinic.
“My baby had just started a lump by the breast. Therefore, I can’t go anywhere else for help because they would need to see her card history. I am also worried that other clinics would not attend to me because I won’t be from that area, so it would be a waste of time. If I don’t get help here, I will have to go back home and hope for the better,” said Dambuza.
Siphiwe Msomi, 54, who did not report to work, said he feared he could lose his job if he didn't get a letter from the clinic.
Msomi said he was forced to wait in the rain and hoped the nurse would start working.
“I was here by 3am. I didn’t ask for a day off at work because I thought I would make it in time. Hence, I woke up early. I was already here when the morning arrived. I have no choice but to wait and see if they would work, so I can at least get the letter to show my boss that I was here, even if I don’t get help,” said Msomi.
Staff returned to work later on Wednesday afternoon.
The Department of Health was sent a query in relation to this. However, a response was not received at the time of publishing.
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