16 April 2022

The torrential rains that have ravaged parts of KwaZulu-Natal, leaving almost 400 people dead and thousands homeless, have also caused substantial damage to a number of health care facilities.

At least 58 healthcare facilities eThekwini, iLembe, Ugu, Umgungundlovu, and King Cetshwayo districts were severely affected by the floods - with most buildings suffering damage their roof, floors and fencing

We can also confirm that our hospitals and clinics have, indeed, been seeing a higher number of trauma and emergency patients than usual - particularly in the densely-populated districts.

We are cognisant of the criticality of water availability within a healthcare setting. That is why all emergency theatre cases are swiftly being discussed with neighbouring hospitals and diverted accordingly.

Due to the shortage of water and related sanitation challenges, our environmental health practitioners are monitoring clinical statistics for early identification of any water-borne or diarrheal diseases. This includes the inspection of potable water that is being transported by tankers, and in halls where displaced members of the community are being housed.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our healthcare workers across the spectrum for continuing to come to work - despite serious challenges - and responding to the unfolding emergency with incredible courage and diligence.

Many have put in extra hours to attend to the injured and minimise human suffering. We are aware that many of them also went well and truly beyond the call of duty, and actively got involved in mop-up operations.

All of these are acts of heroism.

Damage to critical infrastructure such as roads, water and power supply system's continues to pose further challenges to the restoration of normal operations at some of these healthcare facilities.

We are also aware that some health workers in areas such as iLembe District have had challenges travelling between work and home, and that some had to sleep in our facilities due to the damage on the roads.

We have made arrangements to accommodate these staffers at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, St Mary's Marrianhill, and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

Having conducted a thorough assessment of the damage, we are now finalising internal administrative processes to source funding so that this repair work can commence without further delay. This will be in line with the declaration of a disaster by the President and all relevant regulations.

Most health facilities are fully functional and providing services to patients, with the exception of the following, which are experiencing water supply challenges:

• Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital
• Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital
• Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital
• Wentworth Hospital
• Tongaat Community Health Centre
• KwaDabeka Community Health Centre
• Gamalakhe CHC
• Arnold Lushaba CHC
• GJ Crookes Hospital
• Murchison Hospital
• Port Shepstone Hospital
• Embo Clinic
• Mvutshini Clinic
• eNsingweni Clinic

We are working very hard mitigate the impact of this extraordinary situation, and are in constant engagement with other departments and municipalities, and inviting their further intervention where applicable.

We have also put in place contingency measures - including beefing up the number of pathologists - in order to speed up the processing and completion of post mortems. This will help avoid backlogs, while accommodating the potential intake of more bodies.

ENDS Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health