Bhisho Hospital in the Eastern Cape is operating without a stable supply of water and electricity, following a hailstorm that struck parts of Buffalo City earlier this week.
The facility is currently relying on a hired generator to remain operational. However, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) has accused hospital management of neglecting patients amid the ongoing disruptions.
Patients, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as dire. They said the hospital went without water for three days last week, with conditions deteriorating further after the hailstorm. Some patients reportedly chose to discharge themselves, saying it was futile to remain admitted under such circumstances.
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has confirmed it is aware of the challenges facing the hospital. Department spokesperson Siyanda Manana said the facility is fully functional despite the setbacks.
Manana added that the Buffalo City Municipality is regularly refilling the hospital’s nine water tanks to ensure continued service delivery.