For many people, weekends are a time to relax, spend time with family, and recharge for the upcoming week. However, for those who needs healthcare, weekends can present a challenge.

When the clinic is closed, it can be difficult to get the care you need. Residents of Mashashane has it dry when their community clinic closes on weekends and not been able to access medical care. It is even more drier for students that attend school everyday on weekdays. The impact of weekend clinic closure is significant, both in terms of individual health and public health.

For individuals, not been able to access medical care on weekends can lead to delayed treatment, worsening conditions, and a greater risk of complications. Public health is also affected, as studies have shown that lack of access to medical care on weekends can lead to an increase rate of hospitalization, longer hospitals stays, and a higher cost of care. These are serious issues that must be addressed in order to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.

Mashashane Clinic operates Mondays to Fridays including national holidays. It opens at 7am and closes at 4pm on the dot. No night shifts, no access to an ambulance. The official Mashashane clinic statement that was issued on the 1st week of December 2023 stated that the Clinic will be changing it’s operating days as of the 18th December 2023 until further notice. The clinic’s Operational Manager that is said to have bid farewell to the clinic on Friday 09th February 2023 said that the clinic experiencing shortage of professional midwives. That was before she left.

On weekends, a lot happens. People gets injuried. It can be car accidents, mob attacks, streets fight and so forth. What must happen when the community clinic is closed ? One employee at the clinic tells Reddot that they have limited control over the clinic’s hours and policies. According to the employee, they simply follow the instructions of the clinic management. Even though the employee understood the frustration of people who need care on weekends, they said they had no power in this matter. They encouraged the community to contact the clinic management with their concerns.

The chairperson of the local youth league acknowledged that they had received many complaints about the clinic’s weekend closure. They expressed sympathy for people who were unable to access care on the weekends, and said that the issue was being taken seriously. The chairperson explained that the league was still working on a solution, and hoped to have a resolution soon. They encouraged community members to continue voicing their concerns and ideas.

Phuthego Ledwaba is a student at the local high school and has shared his concerns about the clinic’s weekend closure. Phuthego said that they have to miss school on weekdays to visit the clinic, or put up with the long travel distance to get access to get the care they needed on weekends. He expressed frustration at having to choose between school and health, and said that something needed to change. ‘We shouldn’t have to choose between our education and our health,’ he said.”

The impact of the clinic’s weekends closure extends beyond students. Newborns, pregnant women, and elders with chronic illnesses such as cancer, stroke and diabetes all rely on the clinic for care. Without access to the clinic on weekends, these vulnerable groups may struggle to get the care they need.

Mashashane residents only need the health care access that is suitable for them, and they are hoping for a change in this matter. Mr Ramashala says that the health and well-being of the community must be a top priority. The residents of Mashashane are trying to find a solution that works for everyone, and they encourage all community members to continue sharing their ideas. “We are stronger when we work together, and by working together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the care they need, when they need it.” Said Mr. Ramashala