Zimbabwean Health Workers Use Virtual Clinics to Assist Citizens in South Africa, Mzansi Debates
- Zimbabwean doctors and nurses in South Africa are attempting to assist those who are denied access to healthcare
- Operation Dudula has denied healthcare access to immigrants, saying they put a strain on the already-strained system
- South Africans weighed in on the virtual clinics, with some questioning the legality of the makeshift system
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has spent a decade reporting on the South African political landscape, crime and social issues. He spent 10 years working for a community newspaper before transitioning to online
GAUTENG – A team of Zimbabwean healthcare professionals are causing a stir online over their efforts to assist fellow citizens barred from public hospitals and clinics in South Africa.
The team of approximately 40 nurses and doctors, who are based in South Africa, are providing medical assistance to immigrants who are unable to access it.
Foreign nationals are being denied healthcare by members of Operation Dudula in many parts of the country, who believe that they are putting a strain on the healthcare system. The group has defended its actions.
How are the healthcare professionals assisting?
The group of medical professionals have found a novel way to assist those unable to access healthcare by implementing a virtual clinic. The virtual consultations allow people to consult with doctors and nurses without being afraid of being victimised.
The group has reportedly treated over 2,000 Zimbabweans so far in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. An estimated 1,000,000 Zimbabweans currently live and work in South Africa.
The group’s coordinator, Butholezwe Nyathi, explained to News24 that people send them WhatsApp messages, and then medical professionals guide them based on their needs. In the case of an emergency, the group institutes a referral to one of the partners who have availed services, or they conduct house calls.
Health professionals are running out of resources
The group admitted that the biggest challenge they faced at the moment was that they were running out of resources. With a lack of funds, they are unable to provide the amount of care they’d like to, and thus have called for donations and community support.
Nyathi added that a lack of medical fees often prevented many from reaching out for assistance. He added that while there were facilities that provided treatment, the group still needed to cover the costs.
“For instance, we get calls from people who are bleeding or burnt. That calls for a referral for consultation that will be paid for by private doctors.
“Facilities like Unjani Clinic are willing to help but need payment for services; failure to meet that need is making people lose hope," he said.
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How did South Africans react to the initiative?
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the news, with some questioning its legality.
@steveyP07 joked:
“We are opening our own Zimbabwe inside South Africa🤣 Lesotho vibes.”
@Itswengm asked:
“Are they registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to be providing health care in SA, or is this another banana republic move?
@Khanyisile72033 questioned:
“Cyril Ramaphosa, are you going to allow this to happen?”
@MohapiSophy stated:
“They are doing the right thing but in the wrong country.”
@_MGLKD_ asked:
“With whose resources?”
@kruder69 asked:
“Why can’t they go to Zimbabwe and do this?”
@MrNyashaHove1 said:
“Zimbabweans are united. Very special humans. Humble and God fearing.”
@Spade37295887 claimed:
“Oh, while our nurses and doctors are sitting at home, Zimbabwean nurses and doctors are working.”
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) lays criminal charges against Operation Dudula
In a related article, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) laid criminal charges against Operation Dudula.
The decision came after the group stopped undocumented foreign nationals from receiving health care.
Briefly News said that the party claimed the group's actions ultimately led to the death of a sick child in Alexandra.
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Source: Briefly News
