Delays have left 600 Gauteng patients with disabilities without wheelchairs

More than 600 disabled individuals are currently waiting for wheelchairs at Gauteng hospitals due to delays in wheelchair deliveries, according to a statement by the Democratic Alliance (DA). The Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko informed DA spokesperson for health Jack Bloom of the situation through a written reply to his questions in the Gauteng Legislature as reported by IOL.

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital has the highest number of patients waiting for wheelchairs, with 253, followed by Tambo Memorial Hospital, Tembisa Hospital, and Edenvale Hospital.

In addition, the City of Johannesburg Primary Health Care facilities, Ekurhuleni PHC facilities, and West Rand PHC facilities have 105, 98, and 84 patients on their waiting lists, respectively.

The DA has called for a tightening of the supply management of wheelchairs and noted a sufficient budget to cover the assessed need for wheelchairs.

Meanwhile, therapists at the PHC facilities are contacting patients on the waiting lists to receive their wheelchairs, while the Department of Health has yet to respond to inquiries on the matter.

Photo by vitor camilo on Unsplash