As the festive season approaches, the KZN portfolio committee on health is taking proactive measures to ensure that healthcare facilities are prepared for the influx of visitors along the N2 corridor. Recent oversight visits to key hospitals (Ngwelezana Hospital, General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Hospital and Dr Pixley Ka Seme Memorial Hospital) have revealed both challenges and solutions aimed at enhancing health system accountability and readiness during this busy period.

This second instalment of the Festive Season Readiness Oversight Programme aims to improve health system accountability and preparedness for this period.

Committee chairperson Dr Imran Keeka said that during facility visits, they coordinate with emergency medical services (EMS), the SA Police Service, traffic, and disaster management. This involves local and district municipalities, focusing on fire and traffic services, accident scene management, and resources like fire trucks and Jaws of Life. They also address the need for more lifeguards and other measures to ensure visitor safety and a positive experience in KZN.

Speaking on their findings, Keeka said they noted challenges with radiology equipment in two facilities. 

“We also found dysfunctional ventilators at General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Hospital. 

“We found in eThekwini, the emergency medical services told us that they didn’t have enough bandages and splints and were out of disposable items,” Keeka said. 

He said the issue concerning the ambulance fleet has been addressed through interventions involving the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Health Portfolio Committee, and the Department of Health, as well as interactions with National Treasury, which issued the tender for the repair of the ambulances.

“All of these interruptions have ensured that there will be more ambulances on the roads for this festive season, and of course, that is something that we must welcome,” Keeka said. 

Regarding the shortage of bandages and splints, Keeka said there is no shortage in the province. However, they found that the issue in eThekwini is likely a miscommunication between the stores and the fleet. 

“We were able to intervene and resolve that to ensure that they will have everything that they need,” Keeka said. 

“They do have some ageing equipment that needs a bit of repair. We were able to intervene and are hoping that this will be resolved before the influx of visitors into the province.” 

Keeka said they also engaged with fire and rescue services to see that they are prepared, particularly in the eThekwini region. 

He said the metro has established a festive season committee, and based on their presentation, all preparations appear to be on track and functioning effectively. They are prepared for all eventualities, which includes increasing the number of lifeguards along the promenade.

The Ilembe District Municipality and its local municipalities have mirrored this success. By collaborating, they have increased the number of lifeguards along the district’s coastline and beaches. This measure is expected to help reduce the incidence of near-drownings and drownings that often require treatment at KZN facilities.

He said that during that time, post-mortems are required due to the loss of life, and this process is on track. Furthermore, the mortuaries have sufficient capacity to handle the necessary procedures.

“We’ve looked at it holistically, not just from a healthcare point of view in terms of our hospital readiness. We’ve looked at it from a holistic approach to see that all of our services are ready,” Keeka said. “Other than the General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Hospital, which is in Stanger, where we have some misgivings and concerns.”  

Last Tuesday in the KZN Legislature, Keeka served a notice of motion regarding the issues identified during the oversight visits. 

Keeka said he and KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane interacted, and the intervention started last Tuesday.

The department had not responded to questions at the time of publication. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za 

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