The Free State Department of Health said it is committed to improve the quality of services at health facilities.

The latest report released by Ritshidze showed the need for urgent intervention at Free State health facilities. Some of the findings after inspections at several hospitals and clinics showed patients complained about the shortage of staff, staff attitude towards patients, long waiting hours and infrastructure challenges, amongst others.

Health spokesperson in the Free State, Mondli Mvambi, said the department took note of the concerns raised in the latest report and steps have been taken to ensure that the issues raised are attended to. He said most of these challenges were found in the Thabo Mofutsanyane and Lejweleputswa Districts, which are mainly funded per region. He said the department requested the regions and specific facilities to collate concerns and respond to those so that the provincial office collate the provincial response.

Health spokesperson in the Free State, Mondli Mvambi. Photo supplied

“The department has noted the concerns that were raised during the release of the report. These complaints are enshrined in this report. We are aware of the long waiting times people are complaining about. Our staff's attitude allegedly also leads to some people defaulting on their treatment. We're also familiar with the concerns about the appointment system.”

Mvambi said some of the patients have not been adhering to the appointment system used to control long waiting lines and assist patients to avoid going to health facilities before they even open. He further said the department is also extending some of the waiting areas where buildings are small. 

The Health MEC has started a programme for chronic, stable patients, to deliver medication to their homes instead of them going to health facilities.   

Mvambi further said there are programmes for other long-term issues, while the MEC and HOD will be engaging the public on findings of the report in the coming weeks.

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