BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Department of Health has been ordered to submit time-bound, actionable plans to address ongoing poor conditions at public health facilities within the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. This order was issued by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Social Services following a two-day oversight visit on 25 and 26 March at different health facilities.
During the visit, the committee discovered conditions were found to be unsatisfactory, with prolonged neglect evident in improving infrastructure, staff capacity, and emergency services. The committee visited the Mmabana Phahameng Clinic, Heidedal Community Health Centre, Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital, MUCPP Community Health Centre, Gateway Clinic, National District Hospital, Free State Emergency Medical Services Depot (EMS), and Universitas Academic Hospital.
Temba Gubula, the committee’s media officer, said the provincial department was given seven days to provide detailed responses, which will inform the committee’s report and recommendations to the province’s MEC for Health Menyatso Mahlatsi and the national Department of Health.
The committee observed recurring cross-cutting challenges, ranging from infrastructure maintenance backlogs, budgetary constraints, staff shortages, and operational pressures affecting emergency medical services. Infrastructure challenges included space constraints and worn-out infrastructure at the Mmabana Phahameng Clinic, and maintenance and water system challenges at the Heidedal Health Centre. The committee discovered operational pressures at the MUCPP Community Health Centre impacting the delivery of basic health services owing to staff shortages.
The committee commended construction work in progress at the maternity unit at Pelonomi Hospital, despite delays that extended beyond the original timeline. Infrastructure and capacity challenges were noted at Gateway Clinic and National District Hospital, while the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) depot and Universitas Academic Hospital face fleet maintenance and operational constraints.
“The committee was pleased by reports of zero child and maternal deaths at MUCPP in the last five years as well as the progress being made in the construction of the new maternity ward at Pelonomi Hospital. Despite these challenges, the committee commended healthcare workers, support staff and management for their dedication under demanding conditions,” said Gubula.
Desery Fienies, the chairperson of the committee, emphasised that the oversight visit was conducted in a spirit of cooperation and support. “The purpose of this oversight is not to police the department, but to identify challenges and propose practical interventions to strengthen service delivery. We appreciate the department’s openness and willingness to engage,” said Fienies. She added that the committee will continue to engage constructively with both provincial and national health departments to ensure that the proposed plans are realised.
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