Free State Health MEC Viceroy Mahlatsi has acknowledged that his department’s staff have not been diligent in maintaining the infrastructure at health facilities. The recent closure of clinics and state morgues in the province by inspectors from the Department of Labour and Employment serves as a clear indication of this neglect.
Mahlatsi expressed his disappointment over the closures, stating, “It’s disappointing that people fail to get services because facilities have been closed due to unsafe conditions.” In response to the closures, he ordered internal inspections of all facilities to identify and rectify any issues.
During his inspections in Allinridge, Mahlatsi discovered a clinic that had been closed by the Department of Labour and Employment due to safety concerns. He emphasized the importance of addressing these structural issues promptly to ensure that healthcare services are not disrupted, particularly in farming and mining communities.
The closure of Bophelong and Leratong Clinics in Allanridge has sparked anger among community members. While the closures were mandated by the Department of Employment and Labour for non-compliance with health and safety regulations, residents blame the health department for failing to provide alternative solutions, such as mobile clinics.
One community member, Mothibedi Mazibuko, expressed frustration over the lack of access to healthcare services, stating, “We are forced to pay a lot of money for private doctors.” Similarly, an elderly woman, Mathabo Molatelwa, shared her struggles in obtaining treatment for her high blood pressure since the closure of Lerato Clinic.
Despite the closures, Mahlatsi has not provided a timeline for when the facilities will reopen. He assured the community that officials are working diligently to meet all necessary guidelines to resume operations. In the meantime, community members have turned to advocacy groups like Afriforum to seek legal action against the government for human rights violations caused by the closures.
Afriforum, known for its successful legal actions against government entities, recently intervened in the water crisis in Parys, Vredefor, and Heilbron, resulting in the declaration of the Ngwathe Council as unfit to provide services. Community members hope that Afriforum’s involvement will lead to the reopening of the closed health facilities in the Free State.
