By JN Reporter
Following a one-and-a-half-day delay to the start of the Mofutsanyana regional conference, African National Congress (ANC) Deputy Chairperson Toto Makume has assured members that all logistical and organisational issues have been resolved and that the gathering will proceed as planne...
For the second time in less than a month, healthcare workers at Pelonomi Hospital have taken to the picket lines, reigniting concerns over persistent staff shortages within the Free State province’s busiest health facility.
The latest strike, which took place on Wednesday morning outside the casualty ward and was sparked by patients' referral from the National District Hospital to Pelonomi.
The strike was reported to have disrupted essential medical services and raised alarms among patients and healthcare advocates in the facility.
According to frustrated healthcare workers, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears and the department continues to ignore challenges faced by workers and patients alike.
“Again, we find ourselves picketing today after our grievances, submitted last month, including many other complaints over the past months and years, have fallen on deaf ears and are still causing a rift between staff members and the patients,” said a staff member. Another patient, James Mkhatazo (27) from Freedom Square, Bloemfontein, claims that it has been 34 days since he arrived at the hospital and has yet to receive assistance.
“The moment I came to the hospital, I was constantly told to avoid eating since my operation would be the following day. I have also spent time with other patients who came and left sooner than I have,” said Mkhatazo.
As tensions mount, questions are once again being asked about the government’s ability - or willingness - to respond effectively to the long-standing challenges plaguing public healthcare institutions.
Free State Department of Health acting spokesperson, Motale Sebego, confirmed that the department is aware of the strike held by the staff who are crying for reinforcement of staff, as “positions are advertised on an ongoing basis and when the necessary funds are available.”
He further confirmed that patients are being assessed and, in some cases, may be referred to other healthcare facilities within the province for further and appropriate
