Dirty ambulances‚ a shortage of medical equipment and rundown bases were just some of the findings of a week-long investigation by The Herald’s sister paper‚ the Daily Dispatch‚ into five Eastern Cape Department of Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) stations.

Storerooms and ambulances were found to be filthy and not cleaned regularly‚ medical equipment and medicine was stored in unlocked rooms along with other items such as car tyres‚ and medical waste lay uncollected and riddled with maggots.

Frustrated employees told of how they had to work in unhygienic conditions and said their poor working conditions had affected staff morale.

They have threatened to down tools if the matter is not addressed soon‚ which could place the lives of thousands of people who rely on state medical services at risk.

Provincial health spokesman Sizwe Kupelo has denied many of the allegations‚ accusing some staff members of trying to sabotage and tarnish the image of the department.

Some of the most affected stations‚ including those in Alice‚ Mdantsane‚ King William’s Town and Fort Beaufort‚ were visited by the Dispatch.

Full story here