This according to a reliable source who told the Zululand Observer that at least two patients are unable to receive urgent treatment until CT scans can be conducted to determine what is wrong with them.

‘One of the patients had a fit a week ago and should have had a CT scan done on the same day.

‘The doctor at the casualty ward said it looked like a brain bleed and a CT scan had to be conducted urgently.

‘He is now almost in a vegetative state and is going downhill. We were told if a scan is not done he could die,’ the source said.

The source also revealed that another 15-year-old patient, who had allegedly been at the hospital for a month, was also in a vegetative state and in urgent need of a CT scan.

Ngwelezana Hospital Acting CEO, Dr Bright Madlala, said the process of repairing the CT scanner is being fast-tracked to service patients.

‘The intervention in place currently is that patients in need of the CT scanner are referred to Stanger Hospital. The service is continuing. The department is also available to assist if there are any challenges,’ Madlala said.

This issue came under the spotlight in a recent South African Human Rights Commission report, which found that ‘patients continue to suffer prejudices as a result of the lack of CT scanners at Ngwelezana Hospital’.

On 11 January 2017, the department (of health) advised that the infrastructural work at Ngwelezana Hospital would be finalised within the next five years.

But in a letter dated 25 May this year, the department indicated that a new additional CT scanner would be installed at the hospital once building alterations have been finalised, with an anticipated completion date today (Monday).

‘It therefore remains unclear what the date of installation of the CT scanner at Ngwelezana Hospital. On the one hand, the department advises it would take five years to complete the infrastructural work.

‘The department’s response is accordingly vague. In any event, patients continue to suffer prejudices as a result of the lack of CT scanners,’ the report states.

Earlier this month Madlala said the hospital’s CT scanner is working excessively to meet the huge demand.

He said plans are underway to ensure that another CT scan machine is installed to improve patient care.

Madlala said plans to ensure that turnaround times for the repair and servicing of medical equipment have been put in place and have been working effectively.

Source: Zululand Observer