This picture best represents the health care system from a patients point of view as it is a true reflection of what the public have to endure to receive health care. The poorer communities or those without medical aid facilities are limited to clinics and public hospitals for medical care. Patients without medical aid are forced to sit in long queues waiting in anticipation to see a healthcare professional.
In some public hospitals conditions are poor and do not have the necessary resources to accommodate the daily influx of patients. There are many factors that contribute to these poor conditions. Amongst these are the poor ventilation in hospitals which results in diseases and infections being spread amongst those waiting to see a healthcare professional. There is inadequate seating available for patients. Patients end up sitting on the cold floors. Bathroom facilities are poorly equipped and not cleaned regularly, increasing risks of transmission and contraction of various infections. Staff shortages and lack of medical supplies increases the frustration of the patients.
In some cases, after waiting for lengthy hours’ patients end up being referred to specialist which results in longer waiting periods or patients having to return on alternate days. Physiotherapists are challenged in this context because treatment plans are not strictly adhered to by the patient. Patients in these instances try to avoid the poor environment of the hospital and do not return for treatment. Some patients do not have the financial resources to return to the hospital and therefore rehabilitation remains incomplete.
Article Extract
The following is an extract from an article gathered by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) that explains the health crisis in Gauteng, South Africa.
“Over the last few years there has been a sharp deterioration in healthcare at hospitals and clinics in Gauteng, marked by shortages of medicines, collapsing infrastructure, broken equipment, inadequate provision of staff and misuse and misallocation of funds. This has led to a situation in which the access to health care services and patients’ dignity is compromised on a daily basis. These shortcomings have been widely acknowledged and there have been periodic episodes in which healthcare in Gauteng has been brought under intense public scrutiny. Examples include the photographs of newborn babies in hospital lying in cardboard boxes due to overcrowding published in 2007[1], and news reports on the deaths of 6 babies at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in 2010 due to an outbreak of gastroentiritis[2] and the cases of avoidable stillbirths in the labour ward at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital due to a shortage of nursing staff in 2012 .[3]”
Reference
The Gauteng health system in crisis – SECTION27. Extract available from: https://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/the-gauteng-health-system-in-crisis–section27
One thought on “Health System or Health Hazard? – Karisha Padayachie”
Hey Karisha!
First of all, thanks for giving me an insight in the health system of South Africa. I am sad to hear that the healthcare in Gauteng have had a deterioration by increased morbidity, disability, stillbirth and death the last few years. Is the conditions in Guateng a good representation for most hospitals in South Africa? I think the picture you took of long queues and some people sitting on the floor shows patient point of view when waiting for treatment as you describe with not enough capacity which can show on the simplest thing as not enough chairs in the hallway. Because of few resources the healthcare doesn’t match the demands by shortage of adequate human resources, infrastructure, medicines and equipment. I would like to know more on how these poor conditions inflict the work of a physiotherapist on a hospital? You write that the medical professionals lack the caring and respect for the patients but I cant see where the article support this statement. I understand that they have little time with their patients, but it doesn’t necessary mean that they don’t respect or care for them. And you say that physiotherapist doesn’t get the optimal results because the patients are exhausted from the sickness and by having to endure the wait for treatment. It would be great if you could elaborate this.
I nothing bad to say about your writing and grammar. You write well and it is easy to follow.
Finally some minor technical feedback on the post; the title of your post should be with full name and also categorized on assignment and your school.
Best regards,
Halvor