KARIEGA- Uitenhage Hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality is grappling with a severe bed shortage due to the rapid growth of informal settlements in the Kariega community(formerly known as Uitenhage).
This was discovered by journalist from GroundUp publication on 11th November 2024. This expansion, combined with a surge in trauma cases and mental health issues, has resulted in an overwhelming demand for care.
Patients are sometimes forced to wait for extended periods or even sleep outside the hospital while awaiting treatment.
Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Mkhululi Ndamase acknowledged the pressure on available beds, attributing it to the community’s growth and the subsequent increase in healthcare needs.
He noted that healthcare workers strive to expedite care, but the influx of patients bypassing primary care services and flocking to the hospital has contributed to prolonged waiting times.
Furthermore, Ndamase emphasized that critical cases take priority, leading to longer waiting times for non-emergency patients. “To alleviate pressure on the hospital, the Department of Health urges communities to utilize local clinics for primary healthcare services. We appeal to residents to make use of their local clinics for non-emergency cases, ensuring timely attention and reducing hospital congestion,” Ndamase stated.
As the Kariega community continues to grow, addressing the root causes of this strain on healthcare resources is crucial.
Authorities aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce waiting times by promoting primary care utilization and expanding hospital capacity.
Effective solutions will require collaborative efforts from healthcare providers, community leaders and residents to ensure accessible and efficient healthcare services.
photograph: Thamsanqa Mbovane
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