Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has assessed the state of healthcare services in the Free State and explored ways to strengthen service delivery during a meeting with Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi and MEC for Finance Toto Makume at O.R. Tambo House in Bloemfontein.
The meeting formed part of a national review programme, with the Free State becoming the sixth province visited by the minister. Discussions focused on healthcare management, staffing, procurement, infrastructure development and digital innovation.
Motsoaledi emphasised the importance of strong leadership and effective administration in improving healthcare outcomes.
“Strong political support and sound administration are essential to better outcomes,” he said. The minister also raised concerns about some healthcare professionals failing to provide the same standard of care in public facilities as they do in private practice.
“Some health professionals take remunerative work outside the public service during times when they should be teaching and supporting junior staff. They treat patients with care in private settings, but when they return to public facilities the treatment is not the same. That is unacceptable and has to change,” he said.
To improve accountability in procurement processes, Motsoaledi announced the introduction of cost centres that will allow frontline healthcare workers to participate in purchasing decisions.
“We have seen items procured without input from frontline staff, such as blankets that proved to be of poor quality. With cost centres, all personnel will be involved so that everyone has a say on the products being procured, helping to eliminate opportunities for corrupt practices,” he said.
Letsoha-Mathae acknowledged ongoing investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into several infrastructure projects.
“I will be meeting the SIU soon for progress updates,” she said.
The province reported significant progress in addressing critical doctor shortages, expanding investments in healthcare technology and successfully rolling out the Health Patient Registration System (HPRS) across all facilities. The system’s national launch is scheduled to take place at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein.
Compiled by Sibongile Selomane
