An update provided by the departmental spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, outlined that there is calmness in most of the health facilities in the province. However, there is an incredibly low turnout of workers. 

The biggest hospital in the province, Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein, is the only hospital where Nehawu members are gathered outside, however, they are not causing any disruptions. 

Mvambi said the hospital still suffers from a low turnout of workers in important areas, thus crippling the full effect of rendering quality health services.

ALSO READ: Nehawu protests settling down, personnel nowhere to be seen

At the Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, the situation is also calm and there were no striking workers spotted on Friday and services are running well. The extent of workers in various wards and service points attending to their responsibilities is still measured by management. 

The situation at the National District Hospital is also calm and there’s no report of any protesting activities. The Medical Depot in Bloemfontein is also calm. He explained that the facility is able to receive stock from suppliers and dispense medicines to various health facilities. 

Mvambi has also stated that Nehawu-affiliated workers are not on duty at the Free State Psychiatric Complex in Bloemfontein and allied workers are assisting the facility to function optimally.

In Qwaqwa, the Mofumahali Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital, which was brought to a standstill earlier in the week, has no protesters in sight, however, like Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein, there is a shortage of medical personnel. The El Ross is explained to have all units functional and staff on duty. Although, cleanliness has been compromised as most employees are still not on duty.

ALSO READ: UFS withdraws students from health facilities

In Zastron, Mvambi said the Embekweni Hospital is crippled by strikers who did not turn up for duty forcing doctors, dietitians and some nurses and allied health workers to roll up their sleeves to attend to patients' needs. 

Currently, the gates are locked and manned by security guards at Matlakeng Clinic, due to protesters who moved from the Embekweni Hospital to cause destruction at the clinic.  

In Kroonstad, there has been a low turnout of Nehawu-affiliated workers at the Boitumelo Hospital and currently, there are protesters who have gathered a few meters from the hospital. Like at Pelonomi and Mofumahali Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospitals, the low turnout of staff is crippling the effectiveness of the hospital.

Mvambi concluded by saying not all health facilities in the province are accounted for by his daily updates. He only accounted for hot spots and facilities that have reported unusual incidents.

OFM News