Public health clinics are famous for their long lines and slow service, but if you are at university and do not have medical aid, they can often be your only option for medical care. Even if you have been to a public clinic before with friends or family, it can be a very daunting experience navigating the system alone or going to a different clinic than what you know.
To start with, many students are unsure about going to the University of Pretoria (UP) clinic or a public clinic. A good rule of thumb is to start at the UP clinic since they can write a referral letter for you to take to the public clinic if need be and speed up the process slightly. You are likely to be referred to a public clinic if you need specialised facilities such as radiology, labs, or specialised consultations (for instance, a psychiatrist). Usually, students are advised to visit the Skinner Clinic, next to the Tshwane District Hospital, since it is the closest to the university.
Once you get to the public health clinic, expect a long wait. The average wait time at clinics is three hours and seven minutes according to statistics released by the National Health Service (NHS). The line to get seen to often starts forming long before the clinic opens at 07:30. It is therefore good to arrive early, so pack a snack and be prepared to stay for a while.
PDBY asked a UP student with experience using the public health system what to expect and how to prepare. They advised, “Take a book. If you have some work to do, take the work, cause you’re going to be sitting and waiting for a long time.” They also advised bringing a friend or family member, both for safety and emotional support since the experience can be quite draining. They said that the staff are usually quite helpful, but do not expect a high level of care since they are trying to get through the large number of patients as quickly and efficiently as possible.
If it is a medical emergency, you will likely be taken to triage and then be seen immediately. But for regular referrals, the process is a bit longer. The visit will likely comprise of the following:
- Registration: You will be registered and given a sticker by the relevant security or administrative staff member that indicates your position in line.
- Getting the file: You will wait in line according to the number you received and open a file at the clinic before going to the waiting area for a consultation.
- Consultation: The staff will call your name to be seen by the relevant doctor.
- Next steps: Depending on your needs and what the doctor decides after your consultation, you may be sent for more testing, have to return for a follow-up appointment, or be referred to another doctor either on- or off-site.
Visiting a public health clinic can be daunting, especially if you do not know what to expect. But it is always better to take the day off and get help than it is to put it off out of anxiety. Public clinics can take a lot of your time, be emotionally draining, and cause endless frustration, but the medical staff there will genuinely try to help you as best they can.
Visual: Khanyisa Motsepe
