Free State MPLs gathered on Thursday (15/8) in the Fourth Raadsaal in Bloemfontein to present budget votes for the Departments of Health, Social Development and Education.

The budget for 2024/25 for the Department of Health is R13.718 billion, an increase of 4.82%. The budget is planned for the eight budget programmes of the department, which are:

1.     Administration: R335.257 million;
2.     District Health Services: R5.890 billion;
3.     Emergency Medical Services: R964.246 million;
4.     Provincial Hospitals: R1.838 billion;
5.     Central (and Tertiary) Hospitals: R3.136 billion;
6.     Health Sciences & Training: R342.602 million;
7.     Health Care Support Services: R174.747 million; and
8.     Health Facilities (Infrastructure) Management: R771.510 million.

Free State MEC of Health, Monyatsho Mahlatsi. Picture: Screenshot

“The department maintained a clean audit on performance information, reflecting management’s commitment to continuous improvement,” said Free State MEC of Health, Monyatsho Mahlatsi.

“This makes us one of only two provincial health departments in the country to have obtained this.”

This budget is a testament to our resolve to invest in the health of our people, he said.

The department strongly condemns the destruction and vandalism of health infrastructure, theft of equipment, and attacks on healthcare workers by members of the community.

The department has focused on improving patient care through expanding and upgrading healthcare facilities, including constructing new clinics and refurbishing existing ones.

“Our efforts are not just about addressing immediate healthcare needs but also building a sustainable and resilient healthcare system that will serve future generations,” said Mahlatsi.

“In this year, to further stabilise the department, we will fill critical funded posts, including the district directors for Thabo Mofutsanyana, Xhariep, and Lejweleputswa, as well as Chief Executive Officers of several hospitals.”

The MEC mentioned that management intervention teams are assembled to stabilise operations and to restore the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital to its former status as a beacon of healthcare services.

The department says they acted swiftly to ensure that healthcare services were not interrupted by the fire that occurred at the National District Hospital by redirecting patients to Universitas, Pelonomi, Dr JS Moroka, Botshabelo, and MUCPP.

Efforts are underway to ensure that the National District Hospital is fully operational as soon as possible, according to the department.

“Even though the hospital is closed, there are parts that are still operational, such as the Gateway Clinic, Pharmacy, Outpatient Department and the Ophthalmology (Eye) Clinic.”

“Following the unfortunate discovery of fraudulently appointed ghost workers in the department, we initiated disciplinary action against the implicated officials and reported the case to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigations.”

The department has strongly emphasised enhancing health infrastructure to improve healthcare delivery across the province.

MEC Mahlatsi further mentioned completed projects, which are the refurbishment of Winnie Mandela Clinic in Rouxville, the upgrading of Khotsong Clinic in Bothaville, and Brent Park Clinic in Kroonstad, which underwent a significant refurbishment valued at R1.5 million, and upgrades done at Boitumelo Regional Hospital.

‘The department acknowledged the backlog across various surgical disciplines’

“New projects have already commenced, including the construction of the Dinaane Clinic in Thaba Nchu and the refurbishment of Dr JS Moroka District Hospital (Phase 1).

“The refurbishment of doctors’ residences at Manapo Hospital in Qwaqwa and the accommodation facilities at the Free State School of Nursing (FSSON) Welkom Campus are nearing completion,” he said.

The department acknowledged the projects that have not been completed within schedule. This includes various renovations and refurbishments to National, Boitumelo, Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Hospitals, Bakenpark Clinic and others.

The department acknowledged the backlog across various surgical disciplines such as general surgery, urology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics (trauma & elective), obstetrics and gynaecology, ear, nose & throat (ENT), Maxillo facial & oral.

“The department is working hard to  address this backlog and we have completed over 30,000 surgical procedures across just our regional and tertiary level hospitals.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cgmvh