It is freezing cold and the patients at Bankhara Community Clinic have to wait outside because the space is very small.

“The Community has been out of a clinic for some years. About two years ago we were donated a Park Home to use as a clinic. The park home is very small and Bankhara is a very large community with large population,” said Dineo Mantshonyane, one of the mothers waiting at the clinic to have her child immunised.

“I have been seating here but I am not complaining because at least we have a clinic. It is just that we have to wait outside and it is cold and I am having a baby with me,” added Mantshonyane.

Matshidiso Leberegane , a ward councillor at Bankhara representing the Gasegonyana Local Municipality, said the clinic is always full as the community members were in need of the services including the antenatal clinic, and HIV testing.

We almost get more than 100  a day and it is unfortunate that we have to keep our patients waiting outside because of space, and to avoid the spread of TB and other sicknesses caused by germs that are infectious,” said the Sister in charge  Maria Gazua

“It is cold, yes , but  I cannot complain because I don’t spend a cent to come to this clinic, “said Kgomotso Lesley, one of the patients waiting outside.

“For me the only challenge is lack of chairs and space , and sometimes we are sent to the nearest facilities in town for medication that are not available,“said WillIiam Borale .

The district Department of Health is aware of all the challenges and the District Manager , Masego Kaotsane said they were discussing it at the health forum stakeholder meetings chaired by the Mayor and hoped that the situation would improve in the next few years.