GIYANI - The provincial Department of Health is to investigate Khensani Hospital, following serious allegations of the ill-treatment of patients by nurses and senior members of the hospital.

Mr Moses Tembe, who was allegedly treated five days after the intevention of MEC Sello Moloto. Health spokesperson Charley Nkadimeng said they were taking the allegations seriously. "We will deal mercilessly and severely with everyone who engage in criminal and corrupt practices in our institutions," said Nkadimeng.

Although there was a huge outcry about the ill-treatment of patients by the staff, the latest issue comes after the Mopani District Councillor Moses Tembe (40) was made to taste the medicine of "Halfway to Heaven". This is the name given to Khensani Hospital because of the alleged bad treatment given to the patients in the hospital.

Tembe, a well-known political activist around the former Gazankulu, said it took almost five days for him to be treated for the injuries he sustained during a car crash. Only the intervention of MEC Sello Moloto allegedly eventually ensured him treatment.

Tembe was admitted to Khensani in the evening of January 5, after an accident at Shimawusu at about 16h00. He was only treated last Thursday, January 11 in the afternoon.

Tembe said the nurses told him "you do not deserve any treatment as you are one of those who has taken the service to Pietersburg." According to him, immediately when he arrived here on Saturday, they said the ANC members should be given bad treatment "because they have sold the hospital to Pietersburg."

According to Thembe, the staff stated that "he belongs to Mandela, so he must ask Mandela to treat him. He does not even deserve a Panado, he s a politician. He can provide for himself ".

However, Tembe who was about to be transferred to Mankweng Hospital, said he decided to stay at Khensani, so that he could be given the right treatment, as he believed it can be provided anywhere. "It is true that I can afford private practitioners. But, I think it is important for me to remain here with other patients and monitor the situation they are facing. I used to hear many stories about the bad treatment of patients. But now I have seen it myself. The situation is worse than what I thought it was. These people gave me oats porridge without milk. They do not allow private pajamas, hence they only gave me a trouser with no top. Our bedding has not been changed since my arrival. There are no curtains in our ward or the maternity ward. When we complain they say I must ask Mandela to provide. They also expect us to take medicine without food," said Tembe.

Tembe said the nurses and doctors refused to stitch his wounds until Thursday, when the MEC intervened. However, even after the MEC phoned, the hospital members never changed their attitude towards him, Tembe said.