Everson Luhanga
There will be huge pressure on clinics in the Johannesburg region in the next few days as Charlotte Maxeke hospital has been temporarily shut down.
Nurses said the fire that gutted the Special Dispensary Stores section of the hospital will not only hinder services at one of the country’s biggest hospitals, but also the clinics in the city and in the entire province.
Services at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital have been suspended for seven days.
Over 400 patients were transferred to different nearby health facilities due to the fire that broke out on Friday.
A nurse at one Johannesburg clinic said the temporary closure of the main hospital is putting pressure on local clinics.
And the Gauteng provincial department of health said patients should seek help from other health centres in the province.
Provincial health spokesperson Kwara Kekana said the closing of the facility will allow for an assessment of the situation before any on site services can be restored.
“Fire fighters are currently working to bring under control the fire that broke out on Friday morning. We are appealing to walk-in patients to seek medical services at other facilities closest to them.
“Details on the cause of the fire are still unknown. The relevant authorities will immediately commence with investigations once the fire has been extinguished,” said Kwara.
Picture source: @GautengHealth
