The toilets at Pelonomi Hospital were finally repaired just days after the new Free State premier visited the facility.

Maqueen Letsoha Mathae and her executive council visited Pelonomi and National Hospitals on (23/6) to inspect the healthcare facilities and services.

Upon her arrival, Mathae discovered non-functional toilets and handwashing basins, leading her to criticise the management for poor service standards at provincial health facilities.

Mathae urged provincial Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi to address these issues promptly to restore the dignity of patients. She returned to Pelonomi Hospital on Friday (28/6) and found the faulty toilets had been replaced with new ones.

New toilet system at Pelonomi Hospital after the Premier’s visit. Photo supplied

Free State Health Department spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, said during her follow-up visit, Mathae expanded her monitoring at Pelonomi and discovered that some patients lacked adequate and decent blankets, which were found stored in a storeroom instead of being distributed to those in need.

Toilets that were not functioning at Pelonomi Hospital. Photo supplied.

Continuing her inspections, Mathae visited Bongani District and Virginia Hospitals, where she was met with complaints about unfriendly and slow staff. The issue of staff attitude has long plagued Free State health facilities as patients frequently voice concerns about the behaviour of healthcare workers and the long waiting hours they endure.

A report released by Ritshidze last year highlighted the urgent need for intervention.

Mondli Mvambi emphasised the department’s commitment to improve services at health facilities.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh