The visit by Mkhwebane and Gcaleka came ahead of the State of the Province Address (Sopa) by Premier Zamani Saul on Thursday morning. 

According to Mkhwebane's spokesperson, Oupa Segalwe, the inefficiency of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), with its ambulances grounded by a lack of fuel, was identified as another factor paralysing the local public healthcare system. Segalwe says contractual problems between the government and a service provider appear to be at the heart of the issue. This was discovered during an unannounced visit by Mkhwebane and Gcaleka last week.

Mkhwebane was this week expected to write to both municipal and provincial healthcare authorities for an elaborate response to all areas of concern.

"The feedback will be accompanied by plans to address the problems. The PPSA will then monitor the implementation of the plans," he adds.

The Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in the province was one of the hospitals Mkhwebane and her deputy Gcaleka had visited for inspection.

Meanwhile, in his previous speeches, Premier Saul had announced that his government was working in earnest to look at ways to improve the management of health facilities as a critical aspect of moving the health system forward.

He said the administration had articulated a vision of a modern, growing, and successful province.

"At the heartbeat of this is the revitalisation of our primary healthcare system by improving the quality of health services that we provide to our people.

I am a firm believer that most of you are not here by choice or circumstance. Most - if not all of you - did not choose to become doctors and nurses. I believe that the health profession chose you to be the servants of the people. Whilst it will be challenging, I can assure you it will be worth the time, sacrifice, and commitment you pour into your work over the next two years," Saul added.

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