Fri. Feb 7th, 2025

Elim Hospital, a historic medical facility in Limpopo, has been grappling with significant operational challenges, including a malfunctioning x-ray machine and a persistent water shortage. The hospital, which has been serving local communities for over a century, has had to refer patients to Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital for x-rays due to the breakdown of its imaging equipment.

According to a report by GroundUp, the hospital’s x-ray machine has not been functioning properly for more than a year, with the situation worsening in August when it finally stopped working altogether. Patients requiring x-rays are now forced to travel to Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital, leading to delays and added inconvenience for those already in pain.

One patient, Dzunisani Chauke from Waterval, described the hardship he faced when arriving at Elim Hospital on October 26 with head and hand injuries. “The nurses informed me the machine was broken, and I would have to wait until the next day to be transferred to Louis Trichardt. I had to stay overnight in pain,” he said.

Chauke, like other patients, also faced difficulties due to the hospital’s ongoing water crisis. “There was no water, and some patients had to use restrooms without running water. Family members had to bring water from home,” he explained.

Elim Hospital, which was founded in 1899 by Swiss missionaries, has long been a vital healthcare provider in the region. However, its aging infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the needs of the community. The hospital’s two boreholes, which had previously supplied water, dried up in 2019, leaving the facility without a reliable water source. Since then, water trucks from the Vhembe District Municipality have been delivering water to the hospital, but the supply remains inconsistent.

Lawrence Muvhango, the Limpopo organizational officer for the Public Servants Association (PSA), criticized the lack of action on both the x-ray machine and water supply. “The issues at Elim Hospital are compromising both patient care and the working conditions of healthcare workers,” he said. The PSA has formally requested urgent intervention from the Limpopo Department of Health.

Limpopo Health Department spokesperson Neil Shikwambana confirmed that the x-ray machine was being repaired, with a faulty component being replaced. However, he acknowledged that the water supply issues have been ongoing for years. “Despite these challenges, the hospital continues to provide essential services to the community,” Shikwambana stated.

As Elim Hospital continues to face these critical issues, patients and staff are left hoping for a swift resolution to ensure that the hospital can continue serving its community without further disruption.

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