600 DISABLED people wait for WHEELCHAIRS

Six hundred disabled patients are waiting for wheelchairs at Gauteng hospitals, primarily due to a delay in wheelchair deliveries.

MEC SAYS THE PROBLEM IS WITH DELIVERIES

Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko reveals this in a written reply to questions by jack Bloom MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health in the Gauteng Legislature.

ALSO READ: Horror: Police officer shot multiple times in COLD BLOOD

The most considerable shortage is at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where there are 253 patients on the waiting list for wheelchairs.

HUNDREDS OF DISABLED PEOPLE WAIT FOR WHEELCHAIRS IN GAUTENG

These are the following reasons:

• Delays in ordering processes of wheelchairs by the supplier.
• Insufficient storage for bulk wheelchairs.
• The current storeroom was flooded.

ALSO READ: Ex-boyfriend BRUTALLY attacks policewoman with a HAMMER

Bloom says, according to Ralehoko, wheelchairs for disabled patients in Gauteng are due to arrive at this hospital by 30 June this year. Meanwhile, they intend to improve the processing of orders, placing orders more frequently for smaller quantities to mitigate for lack of storage, and they will motivate a container to store wheelchairs in bulk.

ALSO READ: Police dog died a HERO PROTECTING his handler

Other Gauteng hospitals where wheelchair deliveries have been delayed:

• Tambo Memorial Hospital – 44 patients;
• Tembisa Hospital – 11 patients;
• Edenvale Hospital – 5 patients;
• The City of Johannesburg Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities 105 patients;
• Ekurhuleni PHC facilities – 98; and
• West Rand PHC facilities – 84 patients are waiting for wheelchairs.

ALSO READ: Help us FIND Angel, the African Grey Parrot

“It is distressing that so many disabled people have to wait for wheelchairs to restore their mobility. Imagine the suffering and indignity of vulnerable people who needlessly wait long periods for wheelchairs,” says Bloom.

Bloom said there is a sufficient budget to cover the assessed need for wheelchairs.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY VIRGINIA KEPPLER-YOUNG