What was meant to be a significant leap forward in healthcare has become a source of growing anguish and concern for residents of Ha Tsolo – on the outskirts of the capital Maseru – and surrounding villages.
The shift of Likotsi Filter Clinic to a 24-hour operating schedule in January last year – introduced to improve access to healthcare –has instead led to frustration and hardship for patients, many of whom say the quality of service has worsened.
Residents of Ha Tsolo who frequent the clinic say the facility can no longer be relied upon, citing long waiting times and deteriorating conditions, even with the extended hours.
They argue that increasing operating hours without addressing staffing shortages and workflow inefficiencies is not a solution.
The patients also raised alarm over the lack of adequate shelter and exposure to cold temperatures while waiting outside, often for several hours. These conditions, they say, put them and their children at further risk.
Neo Mathibe, a regular patient at the clinic, said the quality of service has declined sharply since the clinic transitioned to 24-hour operations.
“Some doctors don’t take the time to listen to patients anymore,” she said. “Many of us rely on Likotsi because it’s within walking distance. Now, we’re being forced to travel far, pay for taxis, or walk long distances with children – even at night. That’s not healthcare, that’s survival. In fact, it is torture.”
Mathibe recounted a personal experience that reflects the dire state of services. “I arrived at the clinic at 12:20pm and only left at 6:47pm,” she said. “We waited outside, under a tent, with mothers and infants. Day shift staff left and told us to wait for the night shift doctor.”
She also recounted the case of a mother with a seven-day-old baby who waited from 7:00am until after 4:00pm to be attended to.
“When we finally left, there was no public transport available. We had to walk to the Kofi-Annan route just to get home.”
Another patient, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed dissatisfaction with her first experience at the clinic.
She claimed the attending doctor did not pay attention to her concerns and misdiagnosed her with a sexually transmitted disease.
“I was trying to explain my symptoms, but he kept asking unrelated questions and gave me the wrong medication,” she said.
The Disabled and HIV/AIDS Organisation Lesotho (DHAOL), which had been involved in Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) programme at Likotsi, acknowledged the concerns. Programmes director, Thabo Mothibeli said the organisation last visited the facility in November 2024 but had since halted operations due to a stop-work order issued by the US government.
“That’s why we were unaware of the current challenges patients are facing,” Mothibeli told theReporter in an interview on Tuesday this week.
“However, we remain committed to engaging with the District Health Management Team (DHMT) and advocating for patients,” he noted.
Mothibeli emphasised the importance of collaboration to resolve service delivery issues, further encouraging affected patients to come forward so DHAOL could escalate their concerns to relevant authorities.
The move to 24-hour service at Likotsi, Mabote, and Qoaling filter clinics – inaugurated on January 25, 2024 – was initially hailed as a progressive step towards meeting growing healthcare demands.
During the launch ceremony, Dr. Ngoyi Kaumbo of Likotsi highlighted the importance of adapting healthcare to a fast-paced society.
“As lifestyles and work patterns change, healthcare must become more accessible,” Dr. Kaumbo said. “Operating 24/7 helps reduce emergency room congestion and improves access to timely care.”
However, Dr. Kaumbo acknowledged that the transition is not without hurdles.
“Staffing needs, fatigue management, and workflow restructuring are key challenges,” he said, adding that strategic planning and strong support systems were critical for the long-term success of 24-hour operations.
For now, however, residents say the promise of round-the-clock care remains just that – a promise. Until staffing and service quality improve, Likotsi Filter Clinic remains a symbol of unmet expectations.
