The Free State Health Department’s 2016/17 annual reports are expected to be under robust discussion during a sitting of the Free State Legislature’s Portfolio Committee of Public Accounts, today. This, after the Free State Provincial Treasury said the shortage of medication and limited emergency services by the department are amongst some of the pressing issues that need to be addressed. The Head of the Provincial Treasury, Godfrey Mahlatsi, told OFM News that the department is battling to stay above board with the high costs of medication and the provision of adequate emergency services. He said the department which is currently under administration, is already running above this year’s fiscal budget.
This also comes amidst mounting questions regarding the tender process to procure a new private ambulance service.
The Provincial Treasury, however, said the administration order might be withdrawn soon.
This is despite the department coming under fire for the lack of service delivery and adequate resources during a visit by the National Council of Provinces earlier this year.
KATLEHO MORAPELA / OFM NEWS
