No vaccinations at Berseba

THE clinic at Berseba in the South has suspended routine vaccinations of children against diseases such as measles, polio and TB.

A reliable source yesterday told The Namibian that the clinic could not keep the vaccines refrigerated because the Village Council cut its electricity supply a week ago. The Health Ministry apparently owes the Village Council close to N$48 000 for water and electricity.Earlier, Village Council Secretary Thomas Dreyer said the Council would only reconnect the electricity supply if half of the amount owed was paid.According to the source, the parents of six children needing vaccinations have been turned away at the clinic.The parents were told to take their children to another clinic or hospital for vaccination.The nearest clinic is 40 kilometers away at Tses, while the nearest hospital is at Keetmanshoop, 80 kilometers away.Attempts to get comment from the Regional Health Director in Karas, Pume Katjiuajo, yesterday proved futile.The Health Ministry apparently owes the Village Council close to N$48 000 for water and electricity.Earlier, Village Council Secretary Thomas Dreyer said the Council would only reconnect the electricity supply if half of the amount owed was paid.According to the source, the parents of six children needing vaccinations have been turned away at the clinic.The parents were told to take their children to another clinic or hospital for vaccination.The nearest clinic is 40 kilometers away at Tses, while the nearest hospital is at Keetmanshoop, 80 kilometers away.Attempts to get comment from the Regional Health Director in Karas, Pume Katjiuajo, yesterday proved futile.