MEC Mashego engages security companies after meeting districts’ executive managers

POLOKWANE – Limpopo MEC for Health, Dieketseng Mashego, has called on security companies rendering services at various health facilities in the province to honour their contracts and work diligently.

MEC Mashego advised during a meeting held on 22 October that if security companies can invest in trained security personnel, most of the crimes occurring at health facilities in Limpopo could be prevented.

Mashego indicated that only trained security personnel would act accordingly when confronted with any suspected criminal activities because they would be capacitated with training.

She alluded that the problem emerges when security companies randomly employ untrained personnel and deploy them at the facilities.

Explaining how crime adversely affects the facilities, Mashego said, “These crimes are badly affecting our efforts to render 24-hour health services in our clinics because our healthcare professionals fear for their lives, hence we call everyone to take part in fighting crime in our health facilities.”

The meeting was attended by representatives from the National Prosecuting Authority, South African Police Service and security services providers.

It follows another which was held on 10 October in which the MEC engaged executive managers of Sekhukhune, Mopani, Capricorn and Waterberg and Vhembe districts to outline plans and programmes of the department.

The session discussed several critical issues and resolved on the activation of 24-hour operational clinics, with the priority to ensure that round-the-clock healthcare services are available to communities.

The meeting further resolved that all facilities actively participate in Operation Bophelo Pele to maximize the impact of the initiative which aims to enhance service delivery.

On fast lane services, a resolution was taken for its implementation to streamline patient care and reduce waiting periods.

The department said it was addressing the medication shortages for mobile clinics to ensure that all patients receive the necessary treatment without delays.

With regard to staff discipline, it was urged that all staff members adhere to the standards of discipline expected in their roles.

Mashego highlighted that cooperation and commitment to those initiatives are vital for improvement of the healthcare services and to achieve the department’s mandate.