Central SA
Calls for intervention at Free State Health mount─── LUCKY NKUYANE 12:10 Wed, 20 Jul 2022
The political party, the Congress of the People (Cope), has made a passionate plea to President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Minister of Health to intervene in the Free State Health Department.
Cope spokesperson, Dennis Bloem, tells OFM News that President Ramaphosa and Minister Joe Phaahla must not delay the much-needed intervention. He alleges that the health department in the Free State has collapsed with dysfunctional hospitals and some running out of medication for months. He says the hospitals have also been hit by a shortage of specialists, nurses, and general health workers. Bloem, without mentioning any specific facility, adds that this seems to have become the order of the day at hospitals across the Free State.
OFM News has previously highlighted issues besieging the Bloemfontein-based Pelonomi Hospital and the Welkom Bongani Hospital, amongst others.
ALSO READ: Pelonomi staff members issue management with ultimatum
The department is yet to comment on the OFM News' inquiry.
In 2019, workers affiliated with the National Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) downed tools and embarked on a protest over similar issues raised by Bloem.
At the time, workers led by Nehawu said the shortage of staff, including nurses and security guards, must be addressed. They also raised issues of safety at work. The hospital is no stranger to controversy - in 2019 an intern doctor was attacked by a patient, Vice Olivier.
ALSO READ: Accused will not stand trial for #PelonomiAttack
Olivier, who hails from Bronville in Welkom, allegedly posed as a patient and assaulted the 24-year-old intern doctor on the night of 4 June 2019 while she was resting in one of the overnight staff quarters.
Operations can’t take place because there is no money to pay doctors and specialists to perform these operations. Many clinics have closed their doors because of money and this situation in the Free State is an emergency situation. We call upon president Ramaphosa and Dr Joe Phaahla not to delay their intervention because health care is a right and not a favour,” Bloem further adds.
Recently, a Bloemfontein-based Community Clinic, MUCPP, was allegedly left to operate at candlelight when the ailing utility Eskom initiated load-shedding.
ALSO READ: Candles left to light during night shift at Bloemfontein clinic
