Teboho Setena
Healthcare services in the Free State face a “ticking time bomb” over concerns regarding work conditions and the neglect of infrastructure maintenance.
This is made evident by the Department of Labour continuing to issue prohibition orders to the Department of Health for its non-adherence to health and safety regulations in the work environment , risking the workers and the public.
Owing to the grave concern over the deterioration of healthcare facilities in the province, Monyatso Mahlatsi, MEC for Health, has embarked on a campaign to assess the situation.
He conducted an inspection at the Kutlwanong District Hospital in Odendaalsrus, the fire-gutted supply chain management store located at the Lejweleputswa district office, and the Bophelong Clinic in Welkom and Leratong Clinic in Allanridge on Friday, 20 June.
“The cost of burnt dental stock in the store is estimated at R850 000, while damage to the property is estimated at R1,3 million. The cause of the fire, which occurred in May, is still unknown. The experts who came to do their work at the facility are yet to provide a final report,” said Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the provincial health department.
He said the staff at the fire damaged facility had since been relocated to continue with operations while the department restored the damaged facility. He said the restoration would commence next year, as the department’s budget was under strain. health department buckles under mounting claims
Mvambi said the primary health clinics had been closed in April due to a prohibition notice issued by the Department of Employment and Labour, citing non-compliance with health and safety regulations.
The workers at two Bloemfontein hospitals, Pelonomi and National, lament the mental distress to continue working in unpleasant conditions. This is in reference to both interior and exterior conditions at the two iconic health facilities in Bloemfontein.
Speaking on grounds of anonymity for fear of intimidation, female nurses say the unkempt building surroundings are a safety risk, recalling the rape of a medical practitioner in 2010 and attempted rape of a medical intern in 2019 at Pelonomi.
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