The Free State premier has criticised management for challenges faced at provincial health facilities.

Premier MaQueen Letsoha Mathae, accompanied by MECs, conducted surprise visits to Pelonomi and the National District Hospital in Bloemfontein.

The new executive was sworn in at OR Tambo House earlier on Sunday (23/6). During the visits, Mathae received numerous complaints from patients and staff regarding severe staff shortages, malfunctioning toilets, and a lack of essential items such as blankets.

‘The MEC must address these concerns immediately’

Mathae expressed her frustration at the hospital management, criticising their failure to effectively utilise government resources to address the issues. She specifically summoned the newly elected Health MEC, Monyatso Mahlatsi, to tackle these problems urgently.

Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha Mathae, spoke to patients during her oversight visit at Pelonomi and National Hospitals in Bloemfontein. Photo supplied

“Management is the key issue here, and the newly elected MEC is with me today. He must address these concerns immediately, the MEC for Public Works must also get involved. We have trained artisans and plumbers who can assist us,” she said.

“Hence I’m saying it’s an issue of management because as management you just have to apply your mind to say that even if there’s a shortage of money – the government has resources, it’s about how we utilise those resources. We lack management, that’s the simplest way of dealing with this matter.”

‘In 2019, doctors raised alarms about the lack of medical supplies…’

Mahlatsi expressed his dissatisfaction with the conditions he witnessed during the visit. He promised to urgently address the ongoing issues at the health facilities, working closely with his management team, including the head of department and the chief executive officer.

He said his predecessor, Mathabo Leeto, who is now the MEC for Social Development, has been trying to address these same issues during her visits at the health facility.

The National District Hospital has made headlines for its dire conditions. In 2019, doctors at the hospital raised alarms about the lack of medical supplies and outdated equipment in the theatre rooms. Despite repeated concerns, conditions at public health facilities across the province have seen little improvement, leaving patients to suffer the consequences.

Department spokesperson Mondli Mvambi previously responded to the outcry by stating that the shortages of medication, personnel, and resources at public hospitals were being addressed.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg