This follows after SABC News earlier reported that some patients at the Pelonomi Hospital demanded answers for not being operated on. They were admitted for surgery but have allegedly been waiting for up to a month. The report also indicated that some patients would be forced to go without food for up to three days as they waited to be taken to the theatre. This as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein, Baesi Ramodula, was moved to the provincial health headquarters, Bophelo House. 

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The reasons for the move are still unknown, but the department said in a written response to OFM News’ media enquiry that there is no internal investigation against her. 

Spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said it was a “mutual agreement”. 

Questions on whether the health department has appointed an acting CEO and what the future of the management of the hospital hold, are still unanswered. Health workers at the hospital downed tools complaining about unsafe working conditions and non-adherence to health regulations three months ago. 

The head of the Health Department, Godfrey Mahlatsi, told striking workers then that Ramodula was “moved aside”, just for the department to indicate – when she returned to her office earlier this month – that she was in fact on sick leave. OFM News is awaiting answers on detailed questions.

OFM News