OFM News previously reported that a member of the committee, Gavin Edwards, who led the oversight visits to the clinics, said the Kgakala Clinic had a shortage of staff and keeps running out of medication - with some medication that has expired.

The clinic came under serious scrutiny during the oversight visit. The departmental spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, in a media inquiry, however, responded and told OFM News that the department is aware of the shortage of health professionals and sporadic shortage of medical items. He adds that the situation has improved since the department was placed under administration by the national government following allegations of financial mismanagement and failure for service delivery.

“The department has been authorised by the administration to advertise and fill many vacant posts - especially those of health professionals - to curb the shortage. Once the Department goes through the report, there will be an action plan to close any identified short term challenge. Long-term challenges, like a shortage of health professionals which is also a challenge nationally, are being continuously addressed and will not be resolved overnight,” Lekgethwane adds.

He says the department still has to go through the report of the select committee and satisfy itself with the findings.

The Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development visited three clinics here last week. During the oversight visit, Edwards revealed that the clinic does not open on weekends and public holidays and also has no generator or borehole.

Edwards has since said he will take up the matter with the MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha.

The Portfolio Committee had expressed its satisfaction after visiting two other clinics - the Bophelo Clinic, in Rulaganyang near Leeudoringstad, and the Segametsi Magaetsho Clinic.

The committee commended the cleanliness of the facilities, and the turnaround time to serve patients, amongst others.

OFM News