The GOOD Party strongly condemns the City of Cape Town’s decision to transfer the Clinic in Hangberg, Hout Bay to the Western Cape Provincial Government. This decision is particularly concerning in light of unprecedented budget cuts recently announced by the Provincial Health Department.
The motion before council is likely to be rubber-stamped by the DA majority.
Despite the City not holding any public participation or community consultation meetings in this regard.
By its own admission, the Provincial Health Department has acknowledged the strain of a significant R807 million shortfall, stating ‘After absorbing previous cuts to the budget, this R807 million shortfall puts additional strain on a system already under pressure, serving an increasing uninsured population with growing healthcare needs. This means the department can offer fewer services compared to last year.’
As it stands, many Provincial Community Clinics and Hospitals are turning away patients in need of critical care without a doctor’s assessment or medical review. Patients are waiting days for treatment, and the situation has become so severe that individuals cannot access their chronic medications. The most vulnerable are left with no option but to purchase life-altering medications out-of-pocket.
Community clinics are essential for providing accessible, affordable healthcare to society’s poorest and most vulnerable. Local government is widely regarded as the most impactful and effective tier for service delivery, and maintaining these clinics at a local level improves health outcomes, enhances quality of life, and strengthens community well-being.
The GOOD Party urges Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to prioritise the needs of Hout Bay residents and protect this essential community service.
We call on the Mayor to fulfil his responsibilities rather than transferring them to the overburdened Provincial Health Department.
Mayor, do the right thing for the people of Hout Bay!
Media Enquiries:
Wesley Neumann, GOOD: City of Cape Town Councillor
Cell: +27 84 725 6672
Email: wesneu64@gmail.com
Samantha Jackson, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 083 5509875
Email: samantha@forgood.org.za