Maseru, Jan. 28 — Patients were already queuing as early as 3:00am at Mabote Filter Clinic on Wednesday, hours before the facility opens, in a bid to secure access to health services.
By the early hours of the morning, a growing number of people had gathered outside the clinic gates, some carrying umbrellas and blankets as they waited in cold and wet conditions.
Speaking in an interview with the Agency on condition of anonymity, one of the patients said that they arrived early due to high demand for services and concerns that late arrivals may not be attended to.
He mentioned that the early queues highlight ongoing pressure on public health facilities in Maseru, particularly in high-density residential areas such as Ha Mabote.
He indicated that early arrival has however become routine, especially for those seeking consultations, medication refills and other primary health services.
When contacted for an interview on this matter, the staff of the clinic who did not want to go deep into this matter highlighted that lack of staff and equipment continues to be a challenge to them which causes overload at the centre.
Despite the difficult conditions, patients continued to queue patiently as they awaited the opening of the clinic later in the morning.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health continues to get foreign assistance from entities such as the People’s Republic of China in order to improve health services across the country.
Ends/NT/BM
