JOHANNESBURG- The Department of Health is urging resident to refrain from attaching EMS (Emergency Medical Services’) vehicles and burning clinics.

The EMS ability to effectively respond to emergencies and deliver patients safely to hospitals is currently affected by the community unrest and blocked roads in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
“We have noted with concern that in many areas around Tshwane Metro roads are blocked and access denied to EMS, which is not only endangering EMS personnel lives but that of patients as well.”

“Regrettable incidents of stoning of emergency vehicles in the early hours of the morning in Hammankraal have also been reported.”

“We plead with communities to refrain from attacking EMS vehicles and appreciate the effect this has on service delivery and people’s lives. We also discourage burning of clinics or hampering of services,” said MEC for Health, Qedani Mahlangu.

-Guardian