In his State of the Province Address (Sopa), Saul says while the province has managed to improve life expectancy figures, the same cannot be said for the state of healthcare facilities in the province. 

The province has long been plagued by acute staff shortages, even at its newest hospitals, with many facilities being overcrowded. 

In 2017 OFM News reported the Northern Cape is the top health care spender in the country. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the Northern Cape spent R4 082 per person on health care, higher than the national average, which is estimated to be R3 332 per person. 

Provincial Health Department Spokesperson, Lebohang Majaha, told OFM News at the time that the department has had to factor in litigation costs, but remains committed to providing quality healthcare services to the people of the province.

Saul is yet to mention the issue of the Kimberley Mental Hospital in his address. Following his appointment, the Premier promised the public that the government would prioritise the hospital, costing close to R2 billion, which is yet to open its doors. Delays to the opening of the now completed hospital has been blamed on operational expenses that had not been budgeted for.

OFM News