The spokesperson of the Department of Health, Mondli Mvambi, gave an update on the strike in the Free State, stating some of the medical personnel want to render services at the hospitals they work at, but intimidation from the protestors seems to be increasing.

At the Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, the situation has been calm since Thursday 10 March 2023.

"The numbers of attending staff are yet to be determined, but the hospital receives referrals without hindrance," said Mvambi.

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Pelonomi Hospital seems to have a relative increase in health workers willing to render services. Still, intimidation is also on the rise, with strikers stalking the wards and service points in an attempt to remove those who are working. "A voice note explicitly mobilises against nurses assisting in operation theatres. The public order police and internal security are present to protect those working and feeling vulnerable," he added.

It is also understood that employees at the medical depot in Bloemfontein are back at work with support from public order police. This will enable the depot to receive stock from suppliers and dispatch medicine to facilities. 

At the National District Hospital in Bloemfontein, strikers were singing at the gate, however, no case of direct intimidation was reported. By late morning on Thursday 9 March 2023, the number of staff at work had progressively increased. 

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The Mofumahali Manapo Mopeli Hospital in Qwaqwa, which was previously brought to a standstill by protesting Nehawu members, has had no protesters present since Thursday. Services are rendered despite shortages in personnel. 

At the Boitumelo Hospital in Kroonstad, public order police are present, the protest is peaceful, the main gates are open, and there have been no reports of intimidation so far. 

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The Bongani Hospital in Welkom has been fully functional, according to reports, and assisted by the public order police. The striking workers are not interfering with the functionality of the hospital. The biggest challenge is that the hospital may not be able to fully refer patients as both Universitas and Pelonomi are crippled by high staff absenteeism due to the strike.

The Fezi Ngubentombi Hospital in Sasolburg has been calm and peaceful with no striking workers since Tuesday 7 March 2023. The hospital is fully functional. 

At the Dihlabeng Hospital in Bethlehem, the hospital is calm, and services are fully rendered to patients and the public despite disturbances on Tuesday.

The Albert Nzula Hospital in Trompsburg is not affected by the strike, while the Senorita Ntlabathi hospital in Ladybrand has not reported any incidents of being affected by the strike. 

OFM News