Gang violence is putting press

Gang violoence in Cape Town translates to increase in medical resources.(Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP)

Gang violence is putting pressure on the Western Cape health budget

Western Cape Health MEC to strengthen the health system; gang-related violence is putting pressure on the Western Cape health budget.

Gang violence is putting press

Gang violoence in Cape Town translates to increase in medical resources.(Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP)

On Tuesday, Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo at the signing of the Presidential Health Compact to strengthen the health system; stated that gang-related violence is putting pressure on the Western Cape health budget and allocated resources.

The increase in violence and murders in the province over the past two weekends caused a strain on hospitals that are struggling to cope.

Increasing violence rates despite the deployed troops presence

Despite the presence of the army, there has been little effect on the rate of violence. According to the provincial Ministry of Community Safety consisted of 21 shootings, 20 stabbings and five more murder by other causes this past weekend, there were 46 murders reported in the Western Cape.

The increase in violence translates to an increase in health-care resources to follow up on the high crime and murder rate as the demand increases overpower the supply.

SANDF deployed troops in Cape Flats. Picture: Brendan Magaar/African News Agency(ANA)
SANDF deployed troops in Cape Flats. Picture: Brendan Magaar/African News Agency(ANA)

The provincial budget has been reduced by R9 billion over the past three years, which causes a negative impact on the provision of health services in the Western Cape.

Treating gunshot wounds could cost up to R25 000

Treating gunshot wounds could cost up to R25 000 per patient, which doesn’t include the length of stay in the hospital or the other medical intervention costs. The gang-related violence is also responsible for backlogs on post-mortems at mortuaries, which also means more resources need to be allocated.

“The provincial budget cuts the health department has faced over the last three years has meant that the number of staff available at hospitals is less than the number of people who require medical services.

When you look at bailouts that Treasury gives to state-owned enterprises, you’ll never hear of a bailout for the health department and, because of budget cuts, health facilities cannot afford to employ more people to assist with overburdened staff.”

Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo

The MEC welcomed the signing of the Presidential Health Compact by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

“The Health Compact has the potential to improve equity, quality of care and access to care. In order for the Presidential Health Compact to succeed, we believe that the focus should be on establishing strong provincial health systems and local competency to ensure that there are no limitations to accessing health care for any individual.”

Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo