‘Attacks on clinics undermine commitment to render 24-hour services’

The Limpopo Health Department says continued attacks on clinics that are located in rural areas undermine their commitment to render 24-hour services across the province.

This after two armed men attacked the Mashamba clinic outside Thohoyandou on Saturday night.

Provincial Health Spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana says the armed men went to the clinic at around 9 pm, under the pretext of needing medical attention.

He says no one was harmed, as security officers managed to move nurses into a secure location after the men entered the clinic.

Shikwambana says the attackers also did not steal anything, as security also managed to call the police promptly.

“The increasing number of criminal activities against health care facilities is a cause for concern, and they underscore the critical need for safety and security with the health care facilities which are dedicated to providing essential services around the clock.

He has also thanked the security personnel at Mashamba clinic for their gallant stance which helped to protect the facility and the staff that were on duty.”