The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal calls on the MEC of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, to urgently take necessary steps against St Benedictine Hospital management in KwaNongoma, after the claims that this hospital management has issued a circular allowing alcohol onto the premises.
“It is alleged that there was a circular sent to staff and security personnel giving permission for alcohol to be brought onto the hospital premises. People are now allowed to enter hospital premises with alcohol without anyone searching them. If this is not addressed urgently it has the potential of turning the hospital into shebeen,” said IFP Spokesperson on Health Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana, MPL.
“This is a hospital, not a holiday resort or a hotel. The hospital management is sending mixed messages on the impact of alcohol on health. The Department spends a huge amount of money encouraging people to cut down on alcohol consumption, and on treating people with alcohol-related illnesses, and we don’t need hospitals sending this kind of mixed message to communities. We want to know who gave the St Benedictine Hospital management a licence to have alcohol in their premises ,” continued Mrs Nkwanyana.
“We are very concerned about the safety of patients as people will be drinking alcohol while on the hospital premises. Patients consuming alcohol whilst on medication will cause severe damage to their health. Action must be taken against anyone found to be drinking alcohol in the hospital wards,” concluded Mrs Nkwanyana.
The IFP demands that MEC Dhlomo must investigate the source of the circular and take action against those responsible. Security personnel at St Benedictine Hospital must search and deny entry to any hospital staff, patients or visitors found to have alcohol on their possession.
Issued by:
IFP Spokesperson on Health,
Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL, 078 302 3991
For Media Enquiries:
Mr Phendulani Biyase,
IFP KZN Legislature Media Officer, 073 024 5675
