A GROUP of armed thugs who wanted their friend to receive urgent medical care left the Carolina Hospital nurses, patients and staff members fearing for their lives.
This is after the men allegedly stormed into the Mpumalanga hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning, 17 June and terrorised the staff.
The men allegedly wanted nurses to attend to one of their own who was injured. However, the man succumbed to his injuries the same morning.
It's alleged that in the process, the men vandalised medical equipment and furniture in the casualty unit. They also stole from the personnel as well as patients.
Nehawu provincial secretary Welcome Mnisi has since condemned the incident, adding that they have been raising the issue of safety at all public healthcare institutions in the province for some time.
"The union wants to indicate that workers are unsafe at the hospital and many other health institutions. We are reiterating that we have been raising this for some time that the safety of professionals, community members and all other staff members in healthcare institutions is compromised. They are not safe, "he said.
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Mnisi said it is the responsibility of the government and the public to ensure that healthcare services institutions are protected at all times.
He further urged the security company contracted to provide security services to ensure they always have a backup plan.
Health MEC Sasekani Manzini has since called on communities to work together with the police and the management of the hospital in protecting staff members and patients.
She indicated that the department has yet to determine the damaged equipment and furniture costs.
Mpumalanga police spokesman Colonel Donald Mdluli confirmed that one person was arrested on Saturday afternoon, 17 June and was charged with malicious damage to property.
The suspect (32) appeared in the Carolina Magistrates Court on Monday, 19 June.
The matter was postponed to Monday, 3 July.
