THE Department of Health in the Eastern Cape has shut down three hospitals due to safety concerns following the recent gale force winds.
Some patients are confused and stranded, not knowing where to go for medication and other healthcare services.
This comes after 78 health facilities across the province were damaged by winds between June 29 and 30.
Provincial health spokeswoman Yonela Dekeda said the recent gale force winds damaged health facilities significantly.
"The winds caused havoc, resulting in roofs being blown away, damaging fences and ceilings, breaking windows and doors, and causing broken rafters and brickwork," Yonela said.
She said electricity and network connections in some facilities have also been affected due to fallen electric poles.
"There were also disruptions to the water supply due to burst water pipes. Three facilities have temporarily been closed for repairs. Seventy-five facilities experienced moderate to minor damage, with services continuing as normal.
"Buffalo City Metro has the highest number of health facilities that have been destroyed, with 34. However, only Zwelitsha Zone 5 Clinic has been severely damaged, forcing the department to temporarily close it," Yonela said.
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She said at the moment, the facility will only issue chronic medication to its patients on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until further notice.
In Amathole, two more facilities have temporarily closed due to the extent of damage caused.
Yonela said there are 11 health facilities with minor damages in Joe Gqabi and four in the OR Tambo District.
Meanwhile, in Chris Hani, only three health facilities have been damaged, and only Korsten Community Health Centre and Park Centre Clinic in Kariega have been damaged in Nelson Mandela Bay.
"The cost of the wider damage caused by the winds has not yet been quantified, but repairs have already started at facilities with minor damages," Yonela said.
Nomathamsanqa Nabo (56) from Mbashe said the whole thing is confusing.
"I have to go to another clinic while my file is not there. I wonder if those nurses will prescribe my chronic medication now that my file isn't with them," Nomathamsanqa said.
