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The DA in Limpopo has written to Limpopo Health MEC, Phophi Ramathuba, to urgently address the broken generator at Philadelphia Hospital.

An oversight inspection yesterday revealed that the hospital has not had a functioning generator since 17 September.

There have been numerous complaints from hospital staff that it is completely dark in the hospital during load-shedding and it badly affects the operating theatre, ICU, casualty and neonatal unit. Staff indicated that they end up using their own lights.

The staff also indicated that some of the mortuary fridges have been damaged by load-shedding and it has also affected the storage of certain medicines in the pharmacy. Complaints from community members also seemingly indicate that there is lower capacity to treat patients during load-shedding with no generator.

The hospital management indicated that the generator purchased in 2006 had a mechanical breakdown due to the increased load-shedding and they were in the process of assessing whether to repair or to purchase a new generator. They also indicated that ICU cases were being diverted to other hospitals like Mankweng, Matlala and Groblersdal Hospital in the interim as a contingency.

It is clear that the increased pressure on the energy grid and the rolling blackouts risks the health of citizens that depend on Limpopo’s public healthcare facilities. It is unacceptable for a hospital to go 6 days without a generator for back-up power and even with contingencies in place there is a risk of losing lives while transporting these critically ill patients to other hospitals.

Philadelphia hospital is already currently facing 82 cases of medico legal claims in excess of R650 million, which is the highest in the Sekhukhune District. Ramathuba must urgently assist the hospital management in addressing the generator issue as well as staff and community concerns.

The DA is committed to ensuring that residents of Limpopo continue to receive healthcare services, even during rolling blackouts brought on by an uncaring ANC government.

Issued by Risham Maharaj MPL - DA Limpopo Spokesperson for Health