Durban - The KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC for Health encourages all KZN residents to enjoy the festive season with caution.
MEC Nomagugu Simelane said during the “silly season” health facilities’ casualty units become overcrowded with people being rushed in due to road accidents as well as violent and alcohol-related injuries.
“Many people are now taking it easy and not working as much, some are now working half-days or have started their leave, which gives them more free time to engage in alcohol.
“More and more people are getting into their cars drunk which doesn’t only affect them, but could lead to the death of innocent people using the same road.”
The MEC said people should drink within legal limits to avoid overcrowding in their local clinics and hospitals.
Simelane said people should not only protect themselves from injuries and the abuse of alcohol, but also from unplanned pregnancies by using protection.
“We have male and female condoms freely available for everyone, the use of protection will prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually-related diseases.”