EFF want Clinics opened 24/7

Hlokomelo Mabogale |

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) introduced Private Member Bill to Parliament on Wednesday. Member of Parliament, Dr. Susan Thembekwayo told the Parliament Committee on Health that clinics funded by the government should provide services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Most public clinics across the country operate from 7am to 16:00 Monday to Friday.

As seen by JustNews, when patients arrive before 7am at Mamaila Clinic , at Sekgosese in Limpopo, they wait outside until the opening hour arrives.

“People do not only get sick or suffer injury during the day when clinics are open,” said  MP Naledi Chirwa, adding that many people live far from hospitals and cannot afford transport costs.

Chirwa further said that by making clinics to operate 24/7, it would reduce the number of patients on hospitals and improve access to healthcare.  

As the Bill would also require more money, Thembekwayo said it is the duty of the government, not parliament, to find the money to fund the 24/7 clinics. “This is a national priority that should not be stopped because of cost concerns. We make laws that we think are reasonable and fair. The department must operationalise this.” She told MPs.

The EFF has been on the forefront of health in the country, they are currently on loggerheads with the health department after Commission For Gender Equality, in a 5 year investigation to be completed found that black HIV positive women were forced to do sterilisation.

The Fighters, in a media statement dated 12 August 2020 said “The EFF will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the women whose bodies remain unresolved crime scenes at the hands of the ANC government receive justice.”