The right to have access to healthcare services is a basic human right enshrined in the Constitution. However, South Africans struggle daily to get the healthcare they need. Sometimes, they even die in the process, like Lulama Feni who passed away outside a clinic in Central Karoo Districts, Western Cape late in 2023.
After the tragic death of Feni and countless others, South Africans are raising concerns about healthcare services in the country.
Due to a lack of resources and staff, Mzansi’s healthcare system is operating at a severe disadvantage. Staff are overworked, and this incident is a good example of it, says Zintle Khobeni-De Lange, a social activist and founder of The Great People of South Africa based in Edgemead, Cape Town.
Healthcare improvement a matter of life and death
According to the George Herald, Castro Fuba, a family member of Feni, said they blame the clinic for not helping her in her time of need. “She started feeling bad while she was there, and told personnel she has chest pains and couldn’t breathe. They did not want to help her, saying that is not the reason she had an appointment, and she already got her meds. She was escorted out of the clinic, because it was 16:00 and they wanted to close,” ” said Fuba, as reported by the George Herald.
Cases like this create awareness around the country about your rights, Khobeni-De Lange adds, and knowing your rights gives you the confidence to use them when needed.
“Your rights provide a legal framework for protection against discrimination, exploitation, and abuse.”
Zintle Khobeni-De Lange
Recognising your rights allows you to advocate for yourself and others, contribute to a more just society, and hold institutions responsible for following human rights standards, she adds.
“To improve healthcare in South Africa, we need to take a multi-pronged approach. We must address the root causes of the crisis, such as lack of resources and staff burnout, while also looking at individual behaviours.
“We must work together to improve the system for the benefit of all Mzansi people,” she says. Khobeni-De Lange believes that with the right approach, we can create a healthcare system that works for everyone.
‘Speaking up is your right‘
Nontuthuzelo Chabeni, an activist from Graceland in Cape Town believes the failure to report government mistreatment enables the infringement of human rights to continue, leading to a daily nightmare for patients. She says people are afraid to speak out, fearing that if they do, they will receive even worse treatment when they need help from the government in the future.
“Everyone has the right to be heard, and that right should be respected and honoured.”
Nontuthuzelo Chabeni
Lulama Feni’s death is a reminder that healthcare workers must listen to their patients and provide the best possible care. When they fail to do so, the consequences can be tragic, adds Chabeni.
“Money shouldn’t be the only motivation for a healthcare worker, but rather a desire to help others and make a difference in their lives.”
Statement from the government
According to Nadia Ferreira, principal communications officer for Garden Route and Central Karoo District, Lulama Feni visited the Thembalethu community centre on 16 November 2023. She was there for an appointment and received medical care from a clinician, who saw her at 15:00. She then received her medication from the pharmacy at 16:07.
“The patient complained of chest pain and was given appropriate management. She walked out of the clinic unassisted after waiting for an hour for her medication.”
Nadia Ferreira
The clinic closed at 16:25 on the day that Feni visited, and there were no patients requiring medical attention at that time, according to Ferreira. The following day, they were informed that someone had come to the clinic and requested an ambulance for someone who had collapsed nearby. The security guard called for an ambulance. An internal investigation was conducted and completed regarding the incident.
Ferreira points out that the incident highlighted areas for improvement. As a result, discussions with the security service provider have led to an agreement that security personnel will receive first-aid training, even though this is not required by the current contract.
She says, “Improvements have been made to the CCTV system to allow for more proactive incident monitoring and resolution.”
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