Operation Dudula blocks access to clinics, violating court order
Beauty, who has a 19-year-old daughter with HIV, says her daughter was chased away from Alberton Clinic by members of Operation Dudula. She claims Operation Dudula members checked IDs and her daughter was removed from the queue.
Beauty’s daughter was at the clinic to collect her antiretrovirals (ARVs). She says she will run out in two weeks.
Kudzai, who is 35, last received her ARVs and blood pressure pills from Spartan Clinic in Kempton Park in July. She had been attending the clinic since 2017 without any problems. When she went to the clinic last week, members of Operation Dudula turned her away before she could get her medicines, she says.
“I cannot die because some people are trying to gain attention through politics. I just want to live and take care of my children. If I die, who is going to take care of my kids?” said Kudzai.
She said the health department must urgently intervene to make sure no one is denied access to life-saving medication.
Chenai is nine. She has been taking ARVs since she was six. Her mother, Janet, claims Chenai was receiving her medicines from Charlotte Maxeke Hospital until Operation Dudula members started standing at the hospital three months ago, preventing immigrants from accessing care. Janet says she now has to buy ARVs from a pharmacy for herself and Chenai, and then only when she has money.
“When her medicine runs out, she goes for days without ARVs until I manage to get money. Operation Dudula members should have a heart because even children are suffering,” said Janet. Her and Chenai’s current stock of ARVs will soon run out.
Cathrine has been collecting ARVs from the Jeppe Street clinic. But for three months, she has struggled to access her medication because Operation Dudula has been blocking her, she says. She managed to buy ARVs from a pharmacy once. She sometimes skips doses so that her pills last longer.
“We should not be denied ARVs, because without them we will die,” said Cathrine.