Tebogo Padime, a 35-year-old mother from Praktiseer outside Burgersfort in Limpopo, recently buried her two-year-old daughter, Revival. This heartbreaking incident has left the community in shock and has raised serious concerns about the quality of healthcare services in the area.
The tragedy unfolded on a Friday morning when Padime was walking to visit a friend with Revival strapped to her back. Some young men informed her that her child was having a nosebleed, prompting Padime to rush to Praktiseer clinic, which was nearby. Despite the long queues, the other patients agreed to let Revival be attended to immediately. However, a nurse on duty refused to treat the toddler, citing the lack of a patient file and registration at the clinic.
Left with no other option, Padime had to walk 5 km to her regular clinic in Ga-Motodi. By the time healthcare workers examined Revival, it was too late. The little girl had passed away, leaving Padime devastated and questioning the nurse’s decision to turn them away.
This is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred at Praktiseer clinic. In January, an 84-year-old woman was turned away due to medication shortages and subsequently died on her way back home. These incidents have sparked outrage in the community and have prompted the Limpopo health department to launch an investigation into Revival’s death.
The loss of Revival has left a void in Padime’s life, and she believes that her daughter would still be alive if she had received timely medical attention at Praktiseer clinic. The lack of compassion and basic healthcare services at the clinic has raised serious questions about the quality of care provided to vulnerable patients in the area.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, it is crucial for authorities to address the systemic issues that led to this tragedy. Every patient deserves access to timely and adequate healthcare, regardless of their registration status at a clinic. It is essential to hold healthcare providers accountable for their actions and ensure that no other family has to endure the pain and loss that Padime and her loved ones are experiencing.
