Patients at Elim clinics have raised concerns over long queues, slow service and nurses' conduct, with some waiting for hours. On Thursday, 11 December, Limpopo Department of Health officials met with the community at Mpheni Clinic to discuss the issues.
The clinic has only three nurses serving nearby villages, including parts of Valdezia. Residents cited long waiting times, medicine shortages and hygiene problems, including an unclean environment and overgrown bushes. Long queues also affect Elim Hospital, 1.7 km away.
Many patients said elderly people and those with disabilities were not attended to promptly. One patient said they arrived as early as 06:00 but were seen only in the afternoon. Pretty Sambo, writing on behalf of the community, said her sister, who had arrived at midday on 16 September, had only been assisted at 17:00 and had to be taken to emergency care. "When we raise these concerns with the staff, we are told to 'tell the Department to employ more nurses.' This is unacceptable and dangerous," she said.
Officials said the clinic did not face staff shortages and blamed long queues on patients arriving early and some nurses' conduct. Staff said the average waiting time was around three hours. An epilepsy patient, speaking anonymously, said she had waited more than two hours, only to be told there were no pills and had to be admitted to Elim Hospital for five days.
Officials denied water shortages, saying the clinic relied on borehole water and a separate supply intended for the clinic was being used by local businesses. The CCMDD (Dablapmeds) system allows stable chronic patients to collect medication without long waits.
Lawrence Muvhango of the Public Servants Association said some healthcare posts were vacant but manageable, and staff shortages were addressed through internal arrangements.
Limpopo Health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana said nursing posts had been advertised and recruitment was ongoing. Clinics have introduced a "fast lane" system for elderly patients and people with disabilities, while infrastructure improvements are underway. Communities are urged to report clinics closing early.